Social media content moderation has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly since 2019. This theme reflects growing global debates about digital platform accountability and online content regulation, similar to discussions about Criminalize fake news: agree or disagree?. Let’s analyze a recent exam question and explore sample responses across different band scores.
Social media content moderation showing content filtering process
Task Analysis
Some people believe that social media companies should be responsible for monitoring and removing inappropriate content posted by users. Others think users should be responsible for the content they share. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Examining two contrasting perspectives on content moderation
- Evaluating arguments for both corporate and user responsibility
- Providing a well-reasoned personal stance
- Supporting ideas with relevant examples
Band 8 Sample Essay
The debate over who should bear responsibility for social media content has intensified as platforms become increasingly influential in shaping public discourse. While both corporate oversight and user accountability have merit, I believe a balanced approach combining both elements is most effective.
Those advocating for corporate responsibility argue that social media companies possess the technological capabilities and resources to monitor content effectively. Facebook and Twitter, for instance, employ sophisticated algorithms and thousands of content moderators to detect and remove harmful material. Additionally, these platforms profit from user engagement, so they should shoulder the burden of ensuring their services aren’t misused for spreading misinformation or harmful content.
Conversely, proponents of user responsibility maintain that individuals should be accountable for their online behavior, much like in the physical world. They argue that excessive corporate control could lead to censorship and restrict freedom of expression. Users are ultimately the creators and sharers of content, so they should exercise judgment and face consequences for posting inappropriate material.
In my view, the most effective approach combines both corporate and user responsibility. Social media companies should provide robust content moderation systems and clear community guidelines, while users must exercise digital citizenship and critical thinking. This dual approach has proven successful in countries like South Korea, where platforms and users collaborate to maintain healthy online communities.
Band 7 Sample Essay
The issue of responsibility for social media content has become increasingly important in today’s digital age, similar to concerns about the impact of digital technologies on democracy. There are valid arguments for both corporate and user responsibility.
Social media companies have significant resources to monitor content. They can develop advanced systems to detect harmful posts and employ moderators to review flagged content. Moreover, these companies earn substantial profits from user data and engagement, making it reasonable to expect them to invest in content moderation.
On the other hand, users create and share content voluntarily. They should understand platform guidelines and consider the impact of their posts. Making users responsible encourages more thoughtful online behavior and reduces the burden on companies to police every post.
I believe both parties share responsibility. Companies should provide tools and guidelines for safe platform use, while users must post responsibly. This shared approach can create safer online spaces while preserving free expression.
Social media users engaging with content responsibly
Band 6 Sample Essay
Social media is very popular today and many people use it. Some think companies should check all content, but others say users should be careful about what they post.
Social media companies have lots of money and workers. They can check posts and remove bad content. For example, Facebook has many people who look at reported posts. This helps keep the platform safe.
Users also need to think before posting. They should not share fake news or bad things. If they do, they might get in trouble or hurt other people.
I think both companies and users need to be responsible. Companies should have rules and users should follow them. This way social media can be better for everyone.
Key Vocabulary
- Content moderation (n) /ˈkɒntent ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn/ – the practice of monitoring content
- Digital citizenship (n) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈsɪtɪznʃɪp/ – responsible online behavior
- Algorithm (n) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ – a set of rules for solving problems
- Misinformation (n) /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ – false information
- Corporate oversight (n) /ˈkɔːpərət ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – company supervision
- Digital literacy (n) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – ability to use digital technology
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Consider similar potential topics like platform accountability for data privacy or the role of AI in content moderation.
