The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing candidates’ ability to comprehend complex texts and respond to various question types. Today, we’ll explore a topic that has become increasingly relevant in recent years: the effects of social media on self-esteem. This subject has appeared in several past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing significance, is likely to resurface in future tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this potential topic.
Practice Passage: The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social Media’s Impact on Self-Esteem
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter shaping how we interact, share information, and perceive ourselves and others. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, including increased connectivity and access to information, they also present challenges, particularly in relation to self-esteem and mental well-being.
Research has shown that social media usage can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. On one hand, social platforms provide opportunities for self-expression, community building, and receiving positive feedback from peers. Many users report feeling more connected and supported through their online interactions, which can boost self-confidence and overall well-being.
However, the dark side of social media cannot be ignored. The constant exposure to carefully curated images of others’ lives can lead to unfavorable social comparisons, feelings of inadequacy, and a phenomenon known as “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out). Studies have found that excessive social media use is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among young adults and adolescents.
One of the primary mechanisms through which social media affects self-esteem is through the process of social comparison. Users are constantly exposed to idealized representations of others’ lives, bodies, and achievements. This can create unrealistic standards and expectations, leading individuals to feel that their own lives don’t measure up. The pressure to present a perfect image online can also contribute to a discrepancy between one’s “real” self and their “online” persona, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy.
Moreover, the quantifiable nature of social media interactions – likes, comments, and followers – can turn self-worth into a numbers game. Users may begin to equate their value with these metrics, leading to a constant need for validation and approval from others. This external locus of self-esteem can be particularly damaging, as it places an individual’s sense of worth in the hands of others.
It’s important to note that the relationship between social media and self-esteem is complex and often bidirectional. While social media use can impact self-esteem, individuals with lower self-esteem may also be more likely to engage in problematic social media behaviors, such as excessive comparison or seeking validation online.
To mitigate the negative effects of social media on self-esteem, experts recommend several strategies. These include limiting overall social media use, being mindful of the content consumed, and actively engaging in offline activities and relationships. Additionally, practicing self-compassion and developing a strong sense of self that isn’t dependent on online validation can help buffer against the potential negative impacts of social media.
In conclusion, while social media offers numerous benefits, its effects on self-esteem are multifaceted and potentially harmful. As these platforms continue to evolve and integrate further into our daily lives, it becomes increasingly important to understand and manage their impact on our mental health and self-perception. By fostering a balanced and mindful approach to social media use, individuals can harness its benefits while protecting their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
Determine whether the following statements are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.
- Social media usage always leads to decreased self-esteem.
- The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a common consequence of social media use.
- Young adults and adolescents are more susceptible to the negative effects of social media on self-esteem.
- All social media platforms have the same impact on users’ self-esteem.
- Limiting social media use is the only way to protect one’s self-esteem.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C, or D.
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According to the passage, social media can have positive effects on self-esteem by:
A) Providing opportunities for self-expression
B) Encouraging users to compare themselves to others
C) Limiting access to information
D) Increasing feelings of isolation -
The term “external locus of self-esteem” in the passage refers to:
A) Feeling good about oneself without external validation
B) Basing one’s self-worth on the approval of others
C) Having a strong sense of internal self-worth
D) Ignoring the opinions of others entirely
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.
List of Headings:
I. The role of social comparison in self-esteem
II. Strategies for healthy social media use
III. The history of social media platforms
IV. Quantifying self-worth through social media metrics
V. The bidirectional relationship between social media and self-esteem
VI. The positive aspects of social media interaction
VII. The importance of offline relationships
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 6
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What term is used to describe the fear of not being included or missing out on social events?
- What type of standards can social media create, leading to feelings of inadequacy?
- What practice is recommended to help buffer against the negative impacts of social media on self-esteem?
Answer Key and Explanations
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False – The passage states that social media can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem.
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True – The passage mentions FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as a consequence of social media use.
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True – The passage states that “excessive social media use is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among young adults and adolescents.”
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Not Given – The passage does not compare the impacts of different social media platforms.
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False – The passage suggests multiple strategies, not just limiting use, to protect self-esteem.
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A – The passage mentions that social media provides “opportunities for self-expression, community building, and receiving positive feedback from peers.”
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B – The passage describes the external locus of self-esteem as placing “an individual’s sense of worth in the hands of others.”
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I – This paragraph discusses how social comparison on social media affects self-esteem.
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IV – This paragraph talks about how social media metrics can turn self-worth into a “numbers game.”
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V – This paragraph explains the bidirectional relationship between social media use and self-esteem.
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FOMO
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Unrealistic standards
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Self-compassion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overgeneralizing: Be cautious about statements that use absolute terms like “always” or “never.” The passage often presents balanced views, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.
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Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Remember that “Not Given” means the information is not stated in the passage, not that it’s false.
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Overlooking key qualifiers: Pay attention to words like “can,” “may,” and “often,” which indicate possibilities rather than certainties.
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Failing to distinguish between the author’s claims and reported research findings: Be clear about what the passage presents as fact versus what it suggests or implies.
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Mismatching headings: Ensure that the chosen heading accurately summarizes the main idea of the paragraph, not just a detail within it.
Vocabulary Focus
- Integral (adjective): /ɪnˈteɡrəl/ – necessary and important as a part of a whole
- Curated (adjective): /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and presented
- Inadequacy (noun): /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ – the state of being not good enough or not suitable
- Exacerbating (verb): /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪtɪŋ/ – making a problem or bad situation worse
- Bidirectional (adjective): /ˌbaɪdaɪˈrekʃənl/ – operating or functioning in two directions
- Mitigate (verb): /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make less severe, serious, or painful
Grammar Spotlight
Complex sentence structure with dependent clauses:
“While social media use can impact self-esteem, individuals with lower self-esteem may also be more likely to engage in problematic social media behaviors, such as excessive comparison or seeking validation online.”
This sentence uses a concessive clause (introduced by “while”) to present contrasting ideas, followed by a main clause that includes an example (introduced by “such as”). This structure allows for the presentation of complex, nuanced ideas, which is common in academic and IELTS reading passages.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
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Practice active reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key points and making mental summaries as you read.
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Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
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Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage to improve comprehension.
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Develop skimming and scanning techniques: These skills are crucial for quickly locating specific information in the text.
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Familiarize yourself with all question types: Each type requires a different approach, so practice with a variety of formats.
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Read widely on various topics: This will improve your general knowledge and reading speed, both crucial for IELTS success.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Regularly engaging with complex texts on diverse topics, like the effects of social media on self-esteem, will enhance your reading skills and prepare you for success on test day.
For more practice on related topics, check out our articles on social media’s impact on mental health and social media and body image in teenagers. These resources will provide additional context and vocabulary related to the intersection of social media and personal well-being.