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 let's discuss the impact of social media on modern political discourse. On one hand, these platforms allow for the rapid sharing of information and can help organize social movements. On the other hand, they are often blamed for spreading misinformation and creating "echo chambers" where people only hear opinions they agree with. Which of these effects do you think is more significant for society? Why?

Student response 1:

I think social media has a largely positive effect on political conversations. It gives a powerful voice to ordinary citizens and marginalized groups who were previously ignored by traditional media. For instance, important social issues can now gain global attention very quickly because of these platforms, leading to real change.

Student response 2:

I believe the negative impacts are more significant. Social media algorithms often promote sensational and inaccurate content because it gets more engagement. As a result, it becomes very difficult for people to distinguish fact from fiction, which is very damaging to informed democratic debate and can increase social division.