Nowadays More People are Choosing to Socialize Online Rather than Face to Face- IELTS Writing Task 2

Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialize online rather than face to face. Is this a positive or negative development?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic with the use of synonyms. Create a base understanding for the reader, something to expand on in the essay.

Sentence 3 – State that the essay will understand how socializing online or face to face are both equally good.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Give a brief about the evolution of socializing over recent years to understand and bridge the history with the present.

Paragraph 2 – Bring in the pandemic and its effects on socializing, as everything went online afterward. Cite examples.

Paragraph 3 – Emphasize that both types of socializing have pros and cons. State them, and highlight that deeming one better than the other is a difficult task.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay 1

Socializing in person seems to be trumped by socializing online. This has been a growing trend for many years, only to be ushered into newer heights due to the recent pandemic. While some say this is a good trend, I feel it has some negative connotations.

Interacting with someone who is thousands of miles away from you would seem a distant dream in the 20th century, but technology has evolved so much that it became a mainstream idea within twenty years. Earlier, phone calls were thought to be the epitome of technological evolution, but we know where humanity stands today. Video calls, instantaneous messages, emojis, GIFs – humans do it to socialize.

Further, it has only increased in frequency following the COVID-19 pandemic as people were essentially separated from each other in lieu of safety. Humans are social apes, and communicating was a necessity. But, the trend further evolved as classes, lectures, meetings, work, and so many other things started to be done online. Moreover, not only are time and effort saved by socializing online but people who are reserved and shy are given an option that perhaps makes their interaction easier, as they now don’t have to face a crowd of people at once.

Regardless, socializing online has made people lazier. Also, one cannot fully understand the non-verbal communication queues, which comprise about 70% of communication. And, there will always remain an inexplicable feeling that makes in-person meetings a better experience, something one cannot get while socializing online. Despite all these, the main hurdle of meeting with someone, let’s say, at a coffee house, is now overcome as you can talk to them at any point in time, from anywhere in the world through social media.

Hence, ascertaining whether socializing online or face-to-face is better than the other is a daunting task, as both have pros and cons in equal light. Hence, socializing online is becoming the new normal because it offers a slew of benefits and conveniences.

Sample Essay 2

It is an irrefutable fact that the phenomenon of communication is pervasive across the globe due to its importance. Controversy exists as to whether individuals utilize more social media to communicate news and events rather than using traditional ways is a favourable or unfavourable trend. The specific reasons that surround my opinion will be discussed in the upcoming paragraphs.

Analyzing the constructive part, firstly, the key advantage of social media is that it is the most convenient way to connect with people across the globe, which was not possible earlier. It is undoubtedly positive for the millennial generation as they like everything in one touch, from ordering food to making a friend. Therefore, one can connect with people with the convenience of time and platform. To vindicate, according to BBC news, more than 77% of individuals use media to remain in touch with their family members, friends and colleagues.

Another positive outlook is that it assists local traders to advertise their products. To elaborate, their trade has expanded to an international level due to the emergence and popularity of virtual shopping through social media. Consequently, these meritorious points clearly show the brighter side of this trend.

Discussing the destructive part, one of the potential shortcomings of this trend is that a person cannot rely on social media for interaction and information about news. To elucidate it, most of the time, false information is forwarded, which leads to the creation of confusion in the mind of users. Another common pitfall is that social media is applicable only for those who can afford the internet facility. In other words, social media is beyond the reach of every person. Henceforth, it is evident that this trend has certain demerits.

In conclusion, after considering the points mentioned above, it can be inferred that using social media to interact with others is undoubtedly has more positive effects than negative trends. Needless to state, the best way forward is to embrace the positives and mitigate the bad aspects.

Vocabulary

• Socializing

Meaning – the action or practice of participating in social activities or mixing socially with others.
Example – Socializing is indispensable for a human being.

• Ushered

Meaning – cause or mark the start of something new.
Example – Kapil Dev-led Indian Cricket Team ushered India’s cricket towards newer heights.

• Mainstream

Meaning – the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend in opinion, fashion, or the arts.
Example – Music is moving towards digitization as streaming apps like Spotify are becoming mainstream.

• Epitome

Meaning – a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Example – Picasso is regarded as the epitome of art.

• Instantaneous

Meaning – occurring or done in an instant or instantly.
Example – Light moves at an almost instantaneous speed.

• Frequency

Meaning – the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time.
Example – The frequency of tax evasion has lessened over the years.

• Necessity

Meaning – the fact of being required or indispensable.
Example – Water is a necessity for life.

• Hurdle

Meaning – an obstacle or difficulty.
Example – Environmental degradation is a hurdle for everyone.

• Ascertaining

Meaning – to find (something) out for certain.
Example – Today’s class aims at ascertaining the aspects of photosynthesis.

• Daunting

Meaning – seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation.
Example – Completing the 5-kilometer trek is a daunting task.