Reading Text for B1–B2: The Impact of
Social Media
Reading Text: The Impact of Social Media on Our Lives
Over the last two decades, social media has completely transformed how people around the
world interact and share information. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and
more recently, TikTok, have become a part of daily life for billions of users. Whether it is
sharing photos, watching short videos, writing posts, or joining online communities, people
spend a significant amount of their time online. In fact, for many individuals, checking social
media has become the first thing they do in the morning and the last thing they do at night.
One of the main benefits of social media is its ability to connect people across the globe.
Friends and family members who live far from each other can now stay in touch easily.
Grandparents can see pictures of their grandchildren instantly, and friends can chat, video
call, and share updates no matter the distance. In the past, such communication might have
taken days or weeks by mail. Now, it takes seconds.
Social media has also played a huge role in education and business. Students can join study
groups, attend virtual classes, and access learning resources from anywhere. Teachers share
useful content and communicate with their students more effectively. Meanwhile, small
businesses use social media to reach new customers, advertise their products, and build
their brands. Entrepreneurs can grow their businesses from home, and even large
companies now rely heavily on social media marketing.
Despite these advantages, there are many concerns about the negative impacts of social
media. One major problem is addiction. Many users, especially teenagers, spend hours
scrolling through content without realizing how much time has passed. This can reduce
their ability to focus, complete homework, or get enough sleep. Also, some people begin to
compare their lives to the perfect images they see online, which can create feelings of
jealousy, sadness, or low self-esteem.
Another serious issue is cyberbullying. Online platforms can sometimes become places
where people say hurtful things or spread rumors because they feel anonymous behind a
screen. This can have damaging effects, especially on young people who are still developing
emotionally. Additionally, fake news spreads quickly on social media, leading to confusion
and misinformation about important topics like health, politics, and climate change.
Social media also affects mental health. Studies show that people who spend too much time
online are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Teenagers are particularly
vulnerable because their brains and emotions are still developing. That’s why many
psychologists recommend taking regular breaks from social media, turning off notifications,
and spending more time in nature or doing face-to-face activities with friends and family.
In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool that has changed our lives in many ways. It can
help us stay connected, learn new things, and grow our businesses. But it also has risks that
we need to be aware of. To enjoy the benefits of social media while avoiding the downsides,
we should use it mindfully, set limits on our screen time, and focus on building real-life
relationships.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is one major benefit of social media?
A. It always makes people happier.
B. It helps people stay connected across distances.
C. It reduces fake news.
D. It prevents businesses from growing.
2. Why is social media sometimes harmful to teenagers?
A. It helps them study better.
B. It helps them sleep more.
C. It can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem.
D. It encourages them to talk face-to-face more.
3. What is one way to reduce the negative effects of social media?
A. Spend more time online.
B. Post more photos.
C. Take breaks and turn off notifications.
D. Argue with people online.
Open-ended Questions
1. How has social media changed the way people communicate?
2. What are two ways social media helps education or business?
3. What are some risks of using social media too much?
4. Do you agree with the idea of taking breaks from social media? Why or why not?
5. What would you advise a friend who feels sad after spending time on social media?
