Gce Model Questions Vol1 2019 English Language Question 35
Practice objective / multiple choice question 35 from the 2019 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2019
English Language
Objective / Multiple Choice
Hard Difficulty
Question 35
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2019
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
Write an expository essay of 400‑450 words discussing the impact of social media on teenage mental health. Your essay must: - present balanced arguments (both positive and negative effects), - incorporate the following statistics: (a) 67% of teenagers report feeling anxious after using social media for more than three hours a day, (b) 45% say social media helps them stay connected with friends during lockdowns, - conclude with a clear recommendation for parents, educators, or policymakers. Ensure your essay has a logical structure and uses appropriate linking words.
Answer Options
Correct Answer
A.
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering platforms for self‑expression, information sharing, and social interaction. While its ubiquity brings undeniable benefits, it also raises serious concerns about mental health. This essay examines both sides of the debate and proposes a balanced approach for stakeholders.
On the negative side, excessive use of social media is linked to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. A recent survey found that 67% of teenagers report feeling anxious after using social media for more than three hours a day. The constant stream of curated images and peer comparisons can foster feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to maintain an online persona often leads to sleep disruption and reduced face‑to‑face interaction. Moreover, cyberbullying thrives in these digital spaces, further eroding self‑esteem.
Conversely, social media also offers significant advantages, particularly in fostering connectivity during periods of isolation. During the COVID‑19 lockdowns, 45% of teenagers indicated that social media helped them stay connected with friends, providing emotional support and a sense of community. Platforms enable the sharing of educational resources, promote activism, and can serve as outlets for creative expression, all of which contribute positively to mental well‑being when used responsibly.
The challenge lies in navigating this duality. While the data highlight clear risks, they also underscore the medium's capacity to support social bonds. Therefore, the focus should shift from outright restriction to guided usage. Parents and educators can encourage digital literacy, teaching teenagers to recognise harmful content, set time limits, and engage in offline activities. Policymakers should promote transparent algorithms and enforce stricter regulations against cyberbullying.
In conclusion, social media is neither wholly detrimental nor wholly beneficial; its impact depends on how it is managed. A collaborative effort—where parents monitor usage, schools incorporate digital‑wellness curricula, and regulators ensure safe online environments—will help maximise the positive aspects while mitigating the negatives. By fostering informed and balanced engagement, we can protect teenage mental health in an increasingly connected world.
B.
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering platforms for self‑expression, information sharing, and social interaction. Its influence is overwhelmingly positive, especially during times of isolation. This essay highlights the benefits and suggests ways to further enhance its impact.
The primary advantage of social media is its ability to keep teenagers connected. During the COVID‑19 lockdowns, 45% of teenagers reported that social media helped them stay in touch with friends, providing essential emotional support. Beyond connectivity, platforms serve as hubs for educational content, allowing students to access tutorials, join study groups, and collaborate on projects. They also empower young people to engage in activism, share creative work, and develop digital skills that are valuable in the modern workforce.
While some critics claim that social media may cause anxiety, the evidence is inconclusive. Most teenagers use these platforms responsibly, and any negative feelings are typically short‑lived and mitigated by supportive online communities. Therefore, the emphasis should be on encouraging continued use rather than imposing restrictions.
In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool that enhances teenage well‑being by fostering connection, learning, and self‑expression. Parents, educators, and policymakers should promote its use, provide guidance on digital etiquette, and ensure that platforms remain safe spaces for young users.
C.
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering platforms for self‑expression, information sharing, and social interaction. While its ubiquity brings undeniable benefits, it also raises concerns about mental health. This essay examines both sides of the debate and proposes a balanced approach for stakeholders.
On the negative side, excessive use of social media is linked to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. A recent survey found that 70% of teenagers report feeling anxious after using social media for more than three hours a day. The constant stream of curated images and peer comparisons can foster feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to maintain an online persona often leads to sleep disruption and reduced face‑to‑face interaction. Moreover, cyberbullying thrives in these digital spaces, further eroding self‑esteem.
Conversely, social media also offers significant advantages, particularly in fostering connectivity during periods of isolation. During the COVID‑19 lockdowns, only 30% of teenagers indicated that social media helped them stay connected with friends, providing emotional support and a sense of community. Platforms enable the sharing of educational resources, promote activism, and can serve as outlets for creative expression, all of which contribute positively to mental well‑being when used responsibly.
The challenge lies in navigating this duality. While the data highlight clear risks, they also underscore the medium's capacity to support social bonds. Therefore, the focus should shift from outright restriction to guided usage. Parents and educators can encourage digital literacy, teaching teenagers to recognise harmful content, set time limits, and engage in offline activities. Policymakers should promote transparent algorithms and enforce stricter regulations against cyberbullying.
In conclusion, social media is neither wholly detrimental nor wholly beneficial; its impact depends on how it is managed. A collaborative effort—where parents monitor usage, schools incorporate digital‑wellness curricula, and regulators ensure safe online environments—will help maximise the positive aspects while mitigating the negatives. By fostering informed and balanced engagement, we can protect teenage mental health in an increasingly connected world.
D.
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering platforms for self‑expression, information sharing, and social interaction. However, its detrimental effects on mental health outweigh any potential benefits, and a complete ban is the most effective solution.
Research indicates that 67% of teenagers feel anxious after using social media for more than three hours a day, and the constant exposure to curated images leads to pervasive feelings of inadequacy and depression. Cyberbullying is rampant, and the platform's algorithms amplify harmful content, making it impossible for users to escape negative influences.
Given these serious risks, parents, educators, and policymakers should enforce an outright prohibition of social media for teenagers. Schools should incorporate strict digital‑detox programs, and legislation should mandate the removal of all social networking sites accessible to users under 18. Only by eliminating exposure can we safeguard teenage mental health and promote healthier offline interactions.
Correct Answer
A
Correct Option:
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering platforms for self‑expression, information sharing, and social interaction. While its ubiquity brings undeniable benefits, it also raises serious concerns about mental health. This essay examines both sides of the debate and proposes a balanced approach for stakeholders.
On the negative side, excessive use of social media is linked to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. A recent survey found that 67% of teenagers report feeling anxious after using social media for more than three hours a day. The constant stream of curated images and peer comparisons can foster feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to maintain an online persona often leads to sleep disruption and reduced face‑to‑face interaction. Moreover, cyberbullying thrives in these digital spaces, further eroding self‑esteem.
Conversely, social media also offers significant advantages, particularly in fostering connectivity during periods of isolation. During the COVID‑19 lockdowns, 45% of teenagers indicated that social media helped them stay connected with friends, providing emotional support and a sense of community. Platforms enable the sharing of educational resources, promote activism, and can serve as outlets for creative expression, all of which contribute positively to mental well‑being when used responsibly.
The challenge lies in navigating this duality. While the data highlight clear risks, they also underscore the medium's capacity to support social bonds. Therefore, the focus should shift from outright restriction to guided usage. Parents and educators can encourage digital literacy, teaching teenagers to recognise harmful content, set time limits, and engage in offline activities. Policymakers should promote transparent algorithms and enforce stricter regulations against cyberbullying.
In conclusion, social media is neither wholly detrimental nor wholly beneficial; its impact depends on how it is managed. A collaborative effort—where parents monitor usage, schools incorporate digital‑wellness curricula, and regulators ensure safe online environments—will help maximise the positive aspects while mitigating the negatives. By fostering informed and balanced engagement, we can protect teenage mental health in an increasingly connected world.
About This Question
This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2019 English Language Question 35. It is one of the objective questions from the 2019 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Difficulty level: Hard .
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