Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on social studies.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

Today we are discussing the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Some argue that these platforms help us maintain connections with friends and family, especially those who live far away, thereby strengthening our social bonds. Others suggest that online interactions are superficial and detract from meaningful, face-to-face communication. In your view, does social media primarily help or harm our real-life relationships? Why?

Student response 1:

I think social media definitely helps our relationships. It allows me to stay connected with friends who have moved to different cities, and I can share important life updates with my family instantly. For example, I can see photos of my niece growing up even though she lives overseas.

Student response 2:

I believe social media mostly harms real-life connections. People spend too much time looking at their phones instead of talking to the person in front of them. As a result, conversations become less deep, and we lose the ability to truly connect with others on a personal level.