Deputy Minister

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and honorable judges. I

stand before you today as the Deputy Minister of the opposition
team, and I strongly oppose the motion that "Social Media Does
More Harm than Good". I will present my arguments based on
valid research and evidence to show how social media has
brought about positive changes in various aspects of our lives.

Firstly, social media has significantly contributed to the field of

healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the
importance of access to accurate and up-to-date health
information. According to a study conducted by Pew Research
Center, 62% of social media users say they have seen health
information on social media platforms, and 41% have sought
more information based on what they have seen. Social media has
allowed for the rapid dissemination of critical health information
during the pandemic, enabling people to take necessary
precautions to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus.

Secondly, social media has provided individuals with the

opportunity to pursue their passions and dreams. Platforms such
as Instagram and Youtube have allowed individuals to showcase
their talents and creativity to a global audience, leading to
opportunities such as collaborations with brands and other
influencers. This has allowed individuals to pursue careers in fields
such as art, music, and fashion, which were previously inaccessible
due to geographical or financial limitations.
Thirdly, social media has become an important source of news
and information. According to a study by Pew Research Center,
55% of Americans turn to social media for news. Social media
platforms have enabled citizens to access diverse sources of news
and stay informed about current events. Social media has also
enabled people to participate in conversations and debates about
important issues, leading to increased civic engagement.

Mental health : social media has provided a platform for mental

health support. According to a study by the National Alliance on
Mental Illness, 88% of young adults aged 18-34 years old have
used social media to find information about mental health issues.
Social media platforms have enabled individuals to connect with
mental health professionals and peer support groups, providing a
safe and supportive space to discuss their experiences and seek
advice.

social media has also enabled individuals to access information on

topics that were previously inaccessible due to geographical or
financial limitations. For example, individuals living in remote
areas or developing countries can access educational resources,
news, and information on social media platforms without the
need for physical access to libraries or other resources. This has
democratized access to information, empowering individuals to
make informed decisions about their lives and the world around
them.

The Deputy Minister can argue that social media has played a
significant role in raising awareness about important social,
political, and environmental issues. Social media platforms have
provided a space for individuals and organizations to raise
awareness about issues that might not have received significant
attention in traditional media outlets. For example, campaigns
such as #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and #ClimateStrike gained
significant momentum through social media, leading to increased
awareness and action on these issues.

Research studies support the idea that social media can increase
awareness about important issues. For example, a study published
in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that
social media can facilitate the spread of information and
awareness about political issues. The study found that social
media users were more likely to discuss political issues with others
and participate in political activities as a result of using social
media.

Moreover, social media has also enabled individuals to connect

with like-minded individuals and form communities around
specific issues. These communities have been instrumental in
raising awareness about important issues and mobilizing
collective action. For example, social media platforms such as
Facebook and Twitter have been used to organize protests and
rallies, leading to significant social and political change.

Plus revolt

In conclusion, social media has brought about significant positive

changes in various aspects of our lives, including healthcare,
education, pursuing passions and dreams, news and information,
and mental health support. Social media has provided universal
access to these benefits, enabling people from all walks of life to
benefit from these positive changes. Therefore, I strongly oppose
the motion that "Social Media Does More Harm than Good" and
urge the judges to consider the positive impacts of social media.
Thank you.