Social media influencers have become a significant topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting their growing impact on society and mental health. This theme has appeared multiple times in the past two years, and its relevance is likely to increase in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ll analyze a recent question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that social media influencers have a negative impact on young people’s mental health, while others believe they can be a positive force. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the negative impacts of social media influencers on young people’s mental health
2. Explore the positive effects of social media influencers
3. Present your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your view.

Band 9 Sample Essay

Social media influencers have become a ubiquitous presence in the lives of young people, sparking debates about their impact on mental health. While some argue that these online personalities can have detrimental effects, others maintain that they can be a force for good. In my opinion, while influencers can potentially harm mental well-being, their positive influence can outweigh the negatives if approached critically.

Critics of social media influencers often point to the unrealistic standards they set for young followers. Many influencers present a highly curated version of their lives, showcasing perfect bodies, luxurious lifestyles, and seemingly effortless success. This constant exposure to idealized images can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression among impressionable youth who struggle to meet these unattainable standards. Moreover, the pressure to gain likes and followers, often modeled by influencers, can create anxiety and an unhealthy obsession with online validation.

On the other hand, proponents argue that social media influencers can have a positive impact on young people’s mental health. Many influencers use their platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, sharing their own struggles and coping strategies. This openness can help destigmatize mental health problems and encourage young people to seek help when needed. Additionally, influencers often promote self-care, healthy lifestyles, and personal growth, which can inspire followers to make positive changes in their lives.

In my view, the impact of social media influencers on mental health largely depends on how their content is consumed and interpreted. While the potential for negative effects exists, I believe that with proper guidance and media literacy, young people can benefit from the positive aspects of influencer culture. Parents and educators play a crucial role in teaching critical thinking skills, helping youth distinguish between authentic content and unrealistic portrayals. Furthermore, platforms and influencers themselves have a responsibility to promote transparency and ethical practices.

In conclusion, social media influencers wield significant power over young people’s mental health, capable of both harm and benefit. By fostering a more critical and balanced approach to consuming influencer content, we can harness its potential for positive impact while mitigating its risks. Ultimately, the key lies in empowering young people to engage with social media mindfully and to prioritize their mental well-being in the digital age.

(Word count: 398)

Social media influencers impact on youth mental health

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates several key features of a Band 9 response:

1. Fully addresses all parts of the task: The essay discusses both negative and positive views and clearly states the writer’s opinion.
2. Coherent and cohesive: Ideas flow logically, with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words.
3. Wide range of vocabulary: Uses sophisticated vocabulary accurately (e.g., “ubiquitous,” “detrimental,” “destigmatize”).
4. Varied sentence structures: Employs a mix of complex and compound sentences.
5. Clear position throughout: The writer’s stance is evident and consistently supported.
6. Relevant examples: Provides specific examples to illustrate points (e.g., curated images, awareness campaigns).
7. Fully developed response: Each idea is thoroughly explained and supported.

Band 7 Sample Essay

The rise of social media influencers has sparked debates about their impact on young people’s mental health. While some believe these online personalities negatively affect youth, others argue they can be a positive influence. In my opinion, social media influencers have both positive and negative effects, but their overall impact depends on how their content is consumed.

Those who criticize social media influencers often point out the unrealistic standards they set. Many influencers showcase perfect lives and bodies, which can make young followers feel inadequate. This constant exposure to idealized images may lead to low self-esteem and even depression among impressionable youth. Additionally, the pressure to gain likes and followers, often modeled by influencers, can create anxiety and an unhealthy focus on online popularity.

On the other hand, supporters argue that social media influencers can positively impact young people’s mental health. Many use their platforms to discuss mental health issues openly, which can help reduce stigma and encourage followers to seek help when needed. Some influencers also promote healthy lifestyles and personal growth, inspiring young people to make positive changes in their lives.

In my view, the effect of social media influencers on mental health largely depends on how their content is interpreted and used. While there are potential negative consequences, I believe that with proper guidance, young people can benefit from the positive aspects of influencer culture. Parents and teachers should help youth develop critical thinking skills to distinguish between authentic content and unrealistic portrayals.

In conclusion, social media influencers can have both positive and negative impacts on young people’s mental health. By promoting a more balanced approach to consuming influencer content, we can maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks. The key is to teach young people to engage with social media thoughtfully and prioritize their mental well-being.

(Word count: 309)

Teaching critical thinking and social media literacy to youth

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates several features of a Band 7 response:

1. Addresses all parts of the task: Discusses both views and gives an opinion.
2. Coherent and generally well-organized: Ideas are logically sequenced with clear paragraphing.
3. Good range of vocabulary: Uses some less common vocabulary (e.g., “inadequate,” “impressionable,” “stigma”).
4. Mix of simple and complex sentence structures: Demonstrates control over various sentence types.
5. Clear position: The writer’s opinion is evident.
6. Relevant ideas and examples: Provides support for main points.
7. Fully developed response: Each main idea is explained, though not as thoroughly as in the Band 9 essay.

Key Vocabulary

1. Ubiquitous (adjective) – /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ – present, appearing, or found everywhere
2. Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
3. Curated (adjective) – /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and presented
4. Destigmatize (verb) – /diːˈstɪɡmətaɪz/ – remove associations of shame or disgrace from (something)
5. Impressionable (adjective) – /ɪmˈpreʃənəbl/ – easily influenced or affected by others
6. Inadequate (adjective) – /ɪnˈædɪkwət/ – not enough or not good enough
7. Stigma (noun) – /ˈstɪɡmə/ – a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

Conclusion

The impact of social media influencers on mental health is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in your essay, remember to:

1. Fully address all parts of the question
2. Provide a balanced discussion of both views
3. Clearly state and support your own opinion
4. Use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures
5. Organize your ideas logically with clear paragraphing
6. Support your points with relevant examples

Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the consequences of artificial intelligence on job displacement or how virtual reality is revolutionizing the entertainment industry. These technology-related themes are also likely to appear in future IELTS exams.

We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam.