The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand and interpret written texts. One topic that has gained significant attention in recent years is the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its relevance in today’s digital age, it’s likely to feature in future tests as well. Let’s explore this topic through a practice reading exercise that mirrors the format and difficulty level of an actual IELTS exam.

Teenager using social media on smartphone

Reading Passage

The Double-Edged Sword: Social Media’s Impact on Teenage Mental Health

A. In the digital era, social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, offering unprecedented connectivity and access to information. However, this technological revolution has brought with it a host of concerns about its effects on adolescent mental health. As young people navigate their formative years, the influence of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat on their psychological well-being has become a subject of intense scrutiny among researchers, educators, and parents alike.

B. One of the most significant impacts of social media on teenage mental health is its role in shaping self-esteem and body image. The curated nature of social media content often presents an idealized version of reality, leading many teenagers to make unfavorable comparisons between their own lives and the seemingly perfect lives of their peers or influencers. This phenomenon, known as “social comparison,” can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, and even depression. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers who spent more than three hours per day on social media were at a higher risk of developing mental health problems compared to those who used it less frequently.

C. Another concern is the addictive nature of social media platforms. The constant stream of notifications, likes, and comments triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a reward cycle that can lead to compulsive checking and scrolling. This behavior can interfere with sleep patterns, academic performance, and face-to-face social interactions. A report from the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK revealed that 7 out of 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, with Instagram being cited as the platform with the most negative impact on sleep quality.

D. Cyberbullying represents a dark side of social media that can have severe consequences for teenage mental health. The anonymity and distance provided by online platforms can embolden bullies, leading to more frequent and intense harassment than what might occur in physical settings. Victims of cyberbullying often experience anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. The 24/7 nature of social media means that for some teenagers, there is no escape from this torment, even in the supposed safety of their own homes.

E. However, it’s important to note that social media isn’t inherently harmful. When used mindfully, it can offer valuable benefits to teenagers. It provides platforms for self-expression, creativity, and community building. Many young people find support networks online, particularly those who may feel isolated in their physical communities. Social media can also be a powerful tool for raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and providing access to resources and information.

F. The key to mitigating the negative impacts of social media on teenage mental health lies in education and balanced usage. Parents and educators play a crucial role in teaching young people how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This includes setting healthy boundaries around screen time, encouraging critical thinking about online content, and fostering open communication about digital experiences.

G. Moreover, social media companies are increasingly being called upon to take responsibility for the well-being of their young users. Some platforms have begun implementing features designed to promote digital well-being, such as time limit reminders and tools to filter out potentially harmful content. However, critics argue that more comprehensive measures are needed to truly protect teenage users from the potential mental health risks associated with social media use.

H. As research in this field continues to evolve, it’s clear that the relationship between social media and teenage mental health is complex and multifaceted. While concerns about its negative impacts are valid, it’s equally important to recognize its potential as a tool for positive change and support. The challenge for society moving forward is to find ways to harness the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks, ensuring that the digital world becomes a space that enhances rather than detracts from the mental well-being of our youth.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage? Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

1. Social media usage of more than three hours daily increases the risk of mental health issues in teenagers.
2. All social media platforms have an equally negative impact on teenagers’ sleep quality.
3. Cyberbullying on social media is less intense than bullying in physical settings.
4. Social media can provide support networks for isolated teenagers.
5. All major social media companies have implemented comprehensive measures to protect teenage users’ mental health.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

6. According to the passage, social comparison on social media can lead to:
   A) Increased self-esteem
   B) Feelings of inadequacy
   C) Improved body image
   D) Better academic performance

7. The addictive nature of social media is attributed to:
   A) The quality of content
   B) The release of dopamine in the brain
   C) The number of followers
   D) The amount of time spent online

8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential benefit of social media for teenagers?
   A) Self-expression
   B) Creativity
   C) Community building
   D) Improved academic grades

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct letter, A-H, next to the numbers 9-13 below.

A) The role of education in responsible social media use
B) The addictive nature of social media platforms
C) The dual nature of social media’s impact
D) The pressure for social media companies to act
E) Cyberbullying: A significant threat to mental health
F) Social media’s influence on self-esteem and body image
G) The complexity of social media’s impact on teenage mental health
H) Positive aspects of social media for teenagers

9. Paragraph B
10. Paragraph C
11. Paragraph D
12. Paragraph E
13. Paragraph F

Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the box. Write the correct letter, A-L, next to the numbers 14-18 below.

A) addiction B) cyberbullying C) self-esteem D) sleep E) isolation
F) awareness G) creativity H) depression I) anxiety J) education
K) responsibility L) support

Social media has a significant impact on teenage mental health, affecting various aspects such as (14) and body image. Excessive use can lead to (15) and interfere with (16) patterns. One of the most serious issues is (17), which can cause severe psychological distress. However, social media also offers benefits like providing (18)_____ networks for some teenagers. The key to mitigating negative impacts lies in balanced usage and proper education.

Answer Key

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. NOT GIVEN
6. B
7. B
8. D
9. F
10. B
11. E
12. H
13. A
14. C
15. A
16. D
17. B
18. L

Explanations:

1. TRUE – Paragraph B states: “A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers who spent more than three hours per day on social media were at a higher risk of developing mental health problems compared to those who used it less frequently.”

2. FALSE – Paragraph C mentions that Instagram specifically was cited as having the most negative impact on sleep quality, implying that not all platforms have an equal impact.

3. FALSE – Paragraph D suggests that cyberbullying can be more frequent and intense than physical bullying due to the anonymity and distance provided by online platforms.

4. TRUE – Paragraph E states: “Many young people find support networks online, particularly those who may feel isolated in their physical communities.”

5. NOT GIVEN – While the passage mentions that some platforms have implemented features for digital well-being, it doesn’t state whether all major companies have done so comprehensively.

6. B – Paragraph B discusses how social comparison on social media can lead to “feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, and even depression.”

7. B – Paragraph C explains that the constant stream of notifications and interactions “triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a reward cycle.”

8. D – The passage mentions self-expression, creativity, and community building as benefits, but does not mention improved academic grades.

9-13. These answers match the main ideas of each paragraph to the given headings.

14-18. These answers complete the summary with appropriate words from the box that match the content of the passage.

Common Mistakes

1. Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember, if the information isn’t explicitly stated in the passage, even if it seems logical, the answer is “Not Given.”

2. Falling for distractors in Multiple Choice questions: Always read all options and choose the one that best matches the information in the passage.

3. Overlooking key words in True/False/Not Given questions: Pay attention to qualifiers like “all,” “some,” “always,” or “never.”

4. Rushing through Matching Headings: Take time to understand the main idea of each paragraph before matching it with a heading.

5. Using personal knowledge instead of passage information: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the text, not on your own knowledge of the topic.

Vocabulary

• Integral (adjective) /ɪnˈteɡrəl/ – essential or fundamental
• Unprecedented (adjective) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never done or known before
• Scrutiny (noun) /ˈskruːtɪni/ – critical observation or examination
• Curated (adjective) /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – selected, organized, and presented using professional or expert knowledge
• Inadequacy (noun) /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ – the state or quality of being inadequate; lack of the quantity or quality required
• Compulsive (adjective) /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ – resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge
• Cyberbullying (noun) /ˈsaɪbəbʊliɪŋ/ – the use of electronic communication to bully a person
• Embolden (verb) /ɪmˈbəʊldən/ – give (someone) the courage or confidence to do something
• Mindfully (adverb) /ˈmaɪndfəli/ – in a conscious or aware manner
• Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features

Grammar Points

1. Conditional Sentences: “When used mindfully, it can offer valuable benefits to teenagers.” (Zero conditional, expressing a general truth)

2. Comparative Structures: “…leading to more frequent and intense harassment than what might occur in physical settings.” (Comparing online and offline bullying)

3. Passive Voice: “Social media companies are increasingly being called upon to take responsibility…” (Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject)

4. Present Perfect: “Some platforms have begun implementing features…” (Describing actions that started in the past and continue to the present)

5. Gerunds as Subjects: “Setting healthy boundaries around screen time, encouraging critical thinking about online content, and fostering open communication…” (Using verb + ing form as the subject of a sentence)

Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading

1. Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Spend about 20 minutes on each passage.

2. Skim and Scan: Quickly skim the passage for main ideas, then scan for specific information.

3. Read Questions First: This helps you focus on relevant information while reading the passage.

4. Underline Key Words: This helps you locate important information quickly when answering questions.

5. Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with different question types and passage structures.

6. Improve Vocabulary: Learn new words in context to better understand complex passages.

7. Don’t Leave Blanks: Even if you’re unsure, always provide an answer. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.

8. Check Your Answers: If time allows, review your answers for careless mistakes.

Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with the test format are key to achieving a high score in IELTS Reading. Good luck with your preparation!

For more tips on supporting mental health in teenagers, check out our article on how to support mental health for teenagers. You may also find our guide on strategies for improving sleep hygiene in teenagers helpful in addressing some of the sleep-related issues mentioned in this passage.