IELTS Mock Test 2024 March Writing Practice Test 4

The advent of the Internet has entailed changes in the way we interact and entertain opening up opportunities to make up friends throughout the globe in a click away, as well as to establish business ties with foreign companies; people are spared of the need to be attached to their televisions awaiting the latest news release, as now they get the news instantaneously. Nevertheless, social media may have detrimental effect on people’s lives. And it is a question of a paramount importance whether its drawbacks surpass its merits to heavily rely on it any further.
Undoubtedly, social media is a handy tool to bring people together, find someone who shares the same interests and views, or who fits other criteria identifying which would take years. A plethora of online dating apps existent nowadays serve as an example: people may find a perfect match in one click without a necessity of leaving the place. Another unarguable advantage concerns businesses. As long as a company growth and expansion are concerned, it is inevitable to be able to maintain an efficient collaboration between branches and divisions which may be scattered across the country or even the world. Besides, businesses are highly dependent on the market news which is volatile, not least under particular circumstances. Hence, an instant access to the nuances on the market via news is essential, and social media, however, non-conventional does it sound, attends to this requirement.
Despite these benefits, we cannot deny the fact that social media is abundant with flaws. Although, human beings are considered the most superior creatures, we are as equally the most vulnerable ones. And the uncontrollable stream of unsorted news and content we are exposed to daily on social media, and the content, - which is worth mentioning, - may appear cruel, violent or false, causes us to defend, isolate, fear things around us, leading to further loneliness. A related criticism is that social media has become a lucrative field for people with malevolent intents, by such people I mean fraudsters, swindling people out of money, scammers, imposters. Sadly, they deceive the most vulnerable groups of our society and leave no trace of their misconduct. It has become out of ordinary to read about new victims of such activities (the biggest share of whom fall on the USA), with individuals having seized their lives in the result of fraudulent activities.       
Clearly, there are some positive aspects to social media. Despite these, we still have a long run to learn to discern facts from speculations and a friend from a foe. Otherwise, we risk to be set back in evolution and have an acute need for learning to socialise in the real world once again. If social media is used with the application of critical thinking and a common sense, we may extract the utmost benefit of it. Unfortunately, now we see people being more trapped in it than ever.