English Enhancement Programme

Topic: Many people believe that social networking sites have had a huge negative
impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree?

Nowadays, social networking sites, such as Facebook, are often said to have had a
detrimental effect on individual people. Moreover, they also have a detrimental effect on
society and local communities. However, I believe that such sites are mainly beneficial to the
individual. On the other hand, I agree that they have had a damaging effect on local
communities.

For individuals, the impact that online social media has had on each person is evident in its
clear advantages. Firstly, people from different countries are brought together through
platforms like Facebook. In contrast to the past, before the development of technology and
social networking sites, people rarely had the chance to meet individuals from diverse cultural
backgrounds. Furthermore, they seldom had the opportunity to communicate with anyone
outside of their immediate circle or community. Additionally, Facebook provides social groups,
which not only offer individuals a chance to meet but also create a platform for participation in
discussions with people who share common interests.

However, when it comes to the effect that Facebook and other social networking sites have
had on societies and local communities, the narrative shifts to a more negative tone. Instead of
individual people taking an active part in their local community, they are increasingly opting to
invest more of their time and interest in online interactions. Consequently, the close and
supportive relationships within local communities are on the decline. As a result, society as a
whole is becoming increasingly disjointed and fragmented. With people spending more time
online with individuals they have never met face to face, the potential for meaningful
connections within local communities is dwindling.

Although social networking sites have indeed brought individuals closer together, they have
not had an equivalent effect on society or local communities. This leads to the imperative that
local communities should take proactive steps to involve their residents in local activities. By
doing so, they contribute to the preservation and promotion of the future of community life.