Latest Model Composition for GCE O level titled: “Social media does more harm than good. Do you agree? Why or why not?”
In the ever-evolving landscape of GCE O-Level English examinations, composition topics increasingly reflect contemporary societal issues. As of 2025, themes such as the impact of technology, including social media, have become prominent, drawing from real-world concerns about mental health, misinformation, and interpersonal relationships. This trend is evident in recent exam questions and educational resources, emphasizing critical thinking and balanced arguments. Below, we present a model composition on one such trending topic: “Social media does more harm than good. Do you agree? Why or why not?” This argumentative essay exemplifies the structure, language, and depth expected at O-Level, aiming for 350-500 words with a clear thesis, supporting evidence, and a nuanced conclusion.
For further reading on the topic, explore these insights from respected sources:
- Pew Research Center’s report on teens and social media mental health, which highlights that nearly half of teens view social media as mostly negative.
- American Psychological Association’s analysis of social media benefits and risks, offering science-backed recommendations.
- NIH study on social media and adolescent mental health, linking usage to increased distress and self-harm.
- New York Times article on teenagers’ news consumption via social media, discussing value formation influences.
These resources, from highly regarded organizations like Pew Research, APA, NIH, and The New York Times, provide evidence-based perspectives to deepen understanding.
Model Composition
Social media does more harm than good. Do you agree? Why or why not?
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become ubiquitous, connecting billions worldwide. However, while they offer undeniable benefits, I largely agree that social media does more harm than good, particularly in fostering mental health issues, spreading misinformation, and eroding genuine relationships.
Firstly, social media significantly harms mental well-being, especially among teenagers. Constant exposure to curated, idealized lives leads to comparison and low self-esteem. For instance, users often scroll through filtered images and success stories, feeling inadequate in comparison. Studies show that heavy social media use correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression. In my own experience, friends have shared how endless scrolling during exam periods exacerbated their stress, leading to sleep deprivation and poor academic performance. Although platforms provide support groups for mental health, these are often overshadowed by toxic content, making the overall impact negative.
Secondly, the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media poses a grave danger to society. Algorithms prioritize sensational content over facts, amplifying echo chambers where users only encounter views that reinforce their biases. During recent global events, such as elections or health crises, false information has spread rapidly, influencing public opinion and even inciting violence. For example, misinformation about vaccines during the pandemic led to hesitancy and preventable deaths. While social media companies have implemented fact-checking, these measures are often reactive and insufficient, allowing harm to occur first.
On the other hand, proponents argue that social media does good by facilitating connectivity and awareness. It enables long-distance communication, helping families stay in touch and activists mobilize for causes like climate change or social justice. Platforms have raised funds for disasters and amplified marginalized voices, promoting positive change. Nevertheless, these benefits are outweighed by the harms, as connectivity often remains superficial, lacking the depth of face-to-face interactions.
In conclusion, while social media offers some advantages in connection and information sharing, its detrimental effects on mental health, truth dissemination, and authentic relationships make it more harmful than beneficial. To mitigate this, users must adopt mindful habits, such as limiting screen time, and platforms should enforce stricter regulations. Ultimately, society must prioritize real-world engagements over virtual ones to foster a healthier future.
(Word count: 428)
This model essay demonstrates a balanced yet decisive argument, with an introduction that hooks the reader, body paragraphs supported by examples, a counter-argument for depth, and a conclusive wrap-up. Students preparing for 2025 O-Levels should practice similar structures on trending topics to achieve high marks. For more on social media’s dual nature, refer to Pew’s 2024 teen technology survey or NIH’s exploration of social media for health promotion.
Relevant Vocabulary
Here is a table of 50 high-impact vocabulary words (with meanings) tailored for the composition topic: “Social media does more harm than good. Do you agree?”. These words will help students express arguments, perspectives, and consequences clearly and persuasively.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Algorithm | A set of rules used by social media platforms to sort and show content. |
| Anonymity | The condition of being unknown or unidentifiable. |
| Amplify | To increase the effect or strength of something, such as a message. |
| Authenticity | The quality of being genuine and real. |
| Bandwagon | A tendency to adopt beliefs or trends because others are doing so. |
| Bias | An unfair preference for or against something or someone. |
| Cancel culture | The practice of withdrawing support for people after they do something controversial. |
| Censorship | The act of suppressing or controlling content deemed inappropriate. |
| Connectivity | The state of being connected to others, especially online. |
| Cyberbullying | The use of electronic communication to bully or harass someone. |
| Comparison | Evaluating oneself against others, often causing negative feelings. |
| Credibility | The quality of being trusted and believed in. |
| Criticism | The expression of disapproval based on perceived faults. |
| Curated | Carefully selected and organized content, often to portray a certain image. |
| Data privacy | Protection of personal information online. |
| Dependency | The state of relying too much on something, like social media. |
| Disinformation | False information spread deliberately to mislead. |
| Distraction | Something that prevents one from concentrating. |
| Echo chamber | An environment where a person only encounters information that reinforces their beliefs. |
| Engagement | The level of interaction with social media content. |
| Empowerment | The process of becoming more confident and in control. |
| Exposure | The state of being seen or revealed to many. |
| Fake news | False stories or facts spread online to mislead people. |
| FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) | Anxiety that others might be having fun without you. |
| Freedom of speech | The right to express opinions without censorship. |
| Harassment | Aggressive pressure or intimidation, often online. |
| Identity | One’s self-concept or how one is perceived. |
| Influencer | A person who affects others’ decisions through online presence. |
| Instant gratification | The desire to experience pleasure without delay. |
| Interaction | Communication or direct involvement with others. |
| Isolation | The feeling of being separated or alone. |
| Manipulation | Controlling or influencing others in a clever or unfair way. |
| Mental health | Emotional and psychological well-being. |
| Miscommunication | Failure to communicate ideas or intentions clearly. |
| Misinformation | False or inaccurate information shared unintentionally. |
| Narcissism | Excessive self-interest and admiration. |
| Online persona | The identity someone creates and presents on the internet. |
| Peer pressure | Influence from members of one’s peer group. |
| Platform | A digital service like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. |
| Productivity | The rate at which someone completes tasks. |
| Reputation | The general opinion others have about a person. |
| Screen time | The amount of time spent using a digital screen. |
| Sensationalism | The use of shocking content to gain attention. |
| Social validation | Approval from others, often through likes and comments. |
| Surveillance | Close monitoring, often done online by corporations or governments. |
| Targeted ads | Advertisements directed at users based on personal data. |
| Toxic culture | A harmful environment, often filled with negativity and hostility. |
| Transparency | Openness and honesty about how things are done. |
| Troll | A person who posts inflammatory comments online to provoke others. |
| Viral | Rapidly and widely shared online. |
Implications of Social Media
The implications of social media extend far beyond individual use, affecting society, mental health, economy, and politics in multifaceted ways. On a societal level, it has democratized information but also amplified divisions; for instance, echo chambers contribute to polarization, as seen in recent political events where misinformation influenced public discourse and even incited real-world actions. This can erode trust in institutions and foster a culture of cynicism.
In terms of mental health, heavy usage—especially among adolescents—is linked to higher rates of distress, self-harm, and suicidality, with studies showing that platforms exacerbate anxiety through curated ideals and relentless notifications. Broader societal effects include increased healthcare burdens and a need for digital literacy programs to mitigate these risks.
Economically, social media drives growth through advertising and e-commerce, creating jobs in content creation and marketing, but it also harms productivity via addiction, potentially costing billions in lost work hours annually. For businesses, it offers low-cost reach but introduces vulnerabilities like brand reputation damage from viral backlash.
Politically, it empowers grassroots movements and voter engagement, yet it enables foreign interference and propaganda, as evidenced by its role in elections where false narratives swayed outcomes. Overall, while social media accelerates innovation and connectivity, its unchecked growth necessitates regulations for privacy, content moderation, and mental health safeguards to balance benefits against harms.
Everything You Need to Know About Social Media
Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, share information, and interact with the world. As of August 2025, it encompasses a vast ecosystem of platforms that connect billions of people globally. This guide covers its definition, history, major platforms, inner workings (like algorithms), features, impacts (positive and negative), business aspects, privacy concerns, regulations, criticisms, and future trends. We’ll draw on reliable sources and real-time insights to provide a balanced, up-to-date overview.
- Top 14 Social Media Trends (2025) – Exploding Topics
- Everything You Need to Know About Social Media Algorithms
- Global Social Media Research Summary: 2025 Penetration & Impact
- Social Media Algorithm and How They Work in 2025 – Sprinklr
- Global social media statistics research summary – Smart Insights
- [PDF] The Pros and Cons of Social Media Algorithms
- Social Media Algorithms: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
- Social Media Trends 2025 – Hootsuite
- 2025 Digital Media Trends | Deloitte Insights
- Social Media Marketing Has Changed in 2025 (Here’s … – YouTube
- The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Social Media Content
- Setting the future of digital and social media marketing research
- Top Social Media Trends 2025: From AI Content to Niche …
- How Machine Learning is Used on Social Media Platforms in 2025
- Social Drivers and Algorithmic Mechanisms on Digital Media – PMC
- [PDF] Social Media and Youth Mental Health – HHS.gov
- The Biggest Social Media Trends Shaping 2025 – Forbes
- Social media – Wikipedia
- The Pros and Cons of Social Media Algorithms
- 3 Social Media Trends YOU Need to Know for 2025! – YouTube
- How Streaming Services Use Algorithms
- Top 50 Machine Learning Projects with Source Code in 2025
- The role of online social networking on deliberate self-harm and …
- Understanding Digital Marketing: Key Types, Channels, and Examples
- The Application of the Principles of Responsible AI on Social Media …
- How do social media algorithms work in 2025, and how can … – Quora
- Exploding Topics – Discover the hottest new trends.
- Advantages and disadvantages of AI in education
- Advantages and Disadvantages of AI Explained – TechTarget
- MIT Technology Review
Definition of Social Media
Social media refers to interactive digital technologies that enable the creation, sharing, and aggregation of user-generated content among virtual communities and networks. It’s built on Web 2.0 principles, emphasizing user participation, connectivity, and many-to-many interactions. Key characteristics include:
- User-Generated Content: Posts, videos, images, and comments created by individuals rather than professionals.
- Social Networking: Building and maintaining online relationships.
- Accessibility: Primarily via apps and websites on mobile devices, with over 80% of usage occurring on smartphones. As of 2025, there are approximately 5.42 billion social media users worldwide, representing about 63.9% of the global population, with average daily usage at 2 hours and 21 minutes.
History and Timeline
Social media’s roots trace back to early computing and internet developments, evolving from basic communication tools to sophisticated platforms. Here’s a chronological overview of key milestones:
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | PLATO System Launch | Early features like message forums, instant messaging, and chat rooms at the University of Illinois. |
| 1969 | ARPANET Operational | Precursor to the internet, enabling networked communication. |
| 1973 | Community Memory | First electronic bulletin board system (BBS) precursor. |
| 1978 | First Mainstream BBS | Launched in Chicago, peaking in the 1990s with thousands in North America. |
| 1979-1980 | Usenet Established | First open social media app for discussions. |
| 1991 | World Wide Web | Tim Berners-Lee integrates HTML with the internet. |
| 1997 | SixDegrees.com | Often considered the first true social media site for profiles and connections. |
| 1999 | BlackPlanet | Early platform targeting African American users. |
| Early 2000s | Rise of Myspace, Friendster, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter | Widespread adoption; Facebook launches in 2004. |
| 2010 | Social Media Dominance | Accounts for 22% of online time. |
| 2016-2020 | Video and Live Features | Instagram adds videos; Reddit enables uploads; surge during COVID-19 for info sharing. |
| 2023-2025 | Global Reach | 4.76 billion users in 2023, growing to 5.42 billion; AI integration and regulations emerge. |
By the 2010s, social media shifted from chronological feeds to algorithm-driven ones, amplifying its cultural impact.
Types of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms vary by function, catering to different user needs:
- Social Networking Sites: Focus on connections (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn).
- Microblogging Platforms: Short-form content (e.g., X/Twitter, Threads, Mastodon).
- Media Sharing Networks: Visual content (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat).
- Discussion Forums: Community-driven (e.g., Reddit, Quora, Discord).
- Live Streaming: Real-time interaction (e.g., Twitch, YouTube Live).
- Decentralized Platforms: User-controlled (e.g., Mastodon, Bluesky), emphasizing privacy and autonomy.
Major Platforms in 2025: Statistics and Features
As of February 2025, the top platforms by monthly active users (MAUs) include:
| Platform | MAUs (Billions) | Key Features | Primary Demographics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.07 | Posts, groups, marketplace, live videos | Broad; 25-34 year-olds dominant. | |
| YouTube | 2.53-2.5 | Video uploads, shorts, live streams | Most used overall; Gen Z and Millennials. |
| 2.78 | Messaging, calls, status updates | Global; high in emerging markets. | |
| 2.0 | Photos, reels, stories | 18-34 year-olds; visual creators. | |
| TikTok | 1.6 | Short videos, duets, effects | Gen Z heavy; 69% Millennials active. |
| ~1.3 | Messaging, payments, mini-apps | Primarily China. | |
| Telegram | ~0.9 | Channels, bots, secure chats | Privacy-focused users. |
| Snapchat | ~0.8 | Ephemeral stories, AR filters | Teens and young adults. |
| ~0.3 | Professional networking, job postings | Professionals; B2B focus. | |
| ~0.5 | Subreddits, AMAs | Niche communities; Millennials dominant. |
Features like AI recommendations, e-commerce integration, and AR filters are standard across most.
How Social Media Algorithms Work
Algorithms are the “gatekeepers” that determine what content appears in your feed, prioritizing relevance over chronology to maximize engagement. In 2025, they use AI and machine learning for personalization:
- Core Mechanism: Analyze user data (likes, shares, time spent) to rank posts. Factors include recency, relationships, content type, and engagement quality (e.g., saves > likes).
- Platform-Specific Examples:
- Instagram: Multiple AI systems rank feeds based on intent, engagement, and cross-format journeys (e.g., reels prioritized).
- TikTok: “For You” page uses watch time and interactions for hyper-personalization.
- Facebook/X: Focus on meaningful interactions and misinformation detection.
- 2025 Updates: Emphasis on AI for intent prediction, reducing misinformation, and promoting quality over quantity. Algorithms evolve via repetitive testing of user interactions.
To “beat” them: Create engaging, authentic content and encourage interactions.
Pros and Cons: Impacts on Society, Psychology, and Economy
Social media’s effects are dual-edged, as echoed in user discussions.
Pros (Positive Impacts)
- Connectivity and Community: Builds global relationships and support groups.
- Information and Awareness: Rapid news sharing, activism (e.g., Arab Spring), and education.
- Economic Opportunities: Influencer marketing, e-commerce, job networking; drives $500B+ in ad revenue.
- Creativity and Expression: Amplifies voices, especially marginalized ones; fosters innovation.
- Crisis Response: Real-time alerts and fundraising.
- Political Engagement: Mobilizes voters and exposes issues.
- Mental Health Support: Some communities reduce isolation.
- Cultural Exchange: Exposes diverse perspectives.
- Business Growth: Cost-effective marketing and user-generated content.
- Entertainment: Endless content for leisure.
- Health Communication: Promotes awareness during pandemics.
- Innovation: AI and trends evolve creativity.
- Empowerment: Gives artists and creators platforms.
- Diversity Amplification: Boosts underrepresented cultures.
- Real-Time Feedback: Enhances dialogue and learning.
From X users: It equalizes voices and exposes legacy media lies.
Cons (Negative Impacts)
- Mental Health Decline: Anxiety, depression, FOMO, and addiction; linked to sleep issues and body image problems.
- Misinformation Spread: Amplifies fake news, influencing elections and health (e.g., vaccine hesitancy).
- Privacy Erosion: Data breaches, surveillance, and exploitation.
- Cyberbullying and Harassment: Anonymous attacks harm teens.
- Echo Chambers and Polarization: Reinforces biases, eroding discourse.
- Addiction and Distraction: Reduces productivity; “micro-doses” alter behavior.
- Superficial Relationships: Distorts connections into “validation games.”
- Cultural and Societal Harm: Encourages extreme behaviors for attention; impacts marriage and homeownership dreams.
- Political Manipulation: Fuels division and extremism.
- Content Overload: Causes fatigue and decision paralysis.
- Inappropriate Exposure: Risks for children, including addiction.
- Economic Inequality: Favors big brands; productivity losses cost billions.
- Isolation Paradox: Increases loneliness despite connectivity.
- Algorithm Dependency: Limits free expression via control.
- Digital Divide: Exacerbates inequalities in access.
Overall, while it connects, many argue it’s a net negative due to psychological and societal costs. Implications include increased healthcare burdens from mental health issues, economic shifts via influencer economies, and political instability from misinformation. Society may adapt culturally, but current profiles aren’t suited for it.
Business Models
Platforms monetize through:
- Advertising: Targeted ads based on user data; primary revenue source.
- Sponsored Content and Influencers: Partnerships for promotions.
- E-Commerce Integration: Social commerce (e.g., Instagram Shops).
- Subscriptions/Premium Features: Ad-free options or enhanced tools. Businesses use it for marketing, customer engagement, and research, with trends like employee-generated content.
Privacy and Data Concerns
Platforms collect vast data for personalization, raising risks of breaches, surveillance by governments/employers, and misuse. Concerns include consent issues and data sales for ads.
Regulation and Criticisms
Regulations in 2025 include Australia’s ban on under-16s using social media and U.S. lawsuits over youth mental health. Criticisms focus on addiction, polarization, and cultural irrelevance without diverse creators. Calls for stricter content moderation and digital literacy grow.
Trends and Future Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
2025 trends emphasize innovation and adaptation:
- Short-Form Video Dominance: TikTok-style content rules; hyperscale platforms redefine consumption.
- AI Integration: Generative AI for content creation, strategies, and personalization.
- Social Commerce Rise: Shopping directly on platforms.
- Content Experimentation and Quality: Shift from polished to authentic; focus on cultural fluency and storytelling.
- Micro-Influencers and User-Generated Content: More power to niche creators.
- Social Listening and Community-Led Growth: Brands use insights for targeted engagement.
- Augmented Reality and Zero-Click Content: Immersive experiences; content that doesn’t require leaving the app.
- Platform Shifts: Divide between “social” (connections) and “media” (content) networks; open source and decentralized options grow.
- Future Uncertainties: Potential for AI to reduce human connection or stratify society; regulations may curb harms.
In summary, social media is a powerful tool with immense potential and risks. To use it wisely, limit time, verify info, and prioritize real-world connections.
