CSS Special 2023 Solved Essays | Social Media Has Destroyed Real Life Communication
Sumiya Amjad, a Sir Syed Kazim Ali student, has attempted the CSS Special 2023 essay “Social Media has Destroyed Real Life Communication” on the given pattern, which Sir Syed Kazim Ali teaches his students. Sir Syed Kazim Ali has been Pakistan’s top English writing and CSS, PMS essay and precis coach with the highest success rate of his students. The essay is uploaded to help other competitive aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns to qualify for the essay paper.
Outline
1- Introduction:
- Social media’s pervasive influence has led to the deterioration of authentic, face-to-face communication by fostering shallow, superficial interactions that prioritize virtual connections, resulting in reduced empathy, heightened instances of misinterpretation, and an overall deterioration in the quality of our interpersonal relationships.
2- The current state of evolution and performance of social media
- ✓ Emergence of social media platforms
- ✓ The changing landscape of human interaction
- According to Data Report, there are 4.62 billion active social media users worldwide in October 2023. This means that over 58% of the world’s population is using social media.
3- Which aspects of real-life communication are destroyed by social media?
- ✓ Leading to a decrease in the concentration span of an individual compared to face-to-face interactions
- Case in Point: According to the American Press Institute 2014 report, 6 in 10 people reported not reading beyond the headline.
- ✓ Making it difficult to focus on real-life conversations, social media is a significant distraction.
- Case in Point: In a study conducted by Full Wood (2017), young people heavily engaged with social media tend to misinterpret non-verbal cues, resulting in negative social interactions.
- ✓ Camouflaging of real identities by fabricated identities and views
- Case in Point: Forbes report: By 2025, AI-generated profiles will pose a significant threat, contributing to the rise of sophisticated catfishing
- ✓ Leading to cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment, social media poses serious risks to users’ well-being.
- Case in Point: A 2022 study by the National Center for Bullying Prevention found that 20% of US students ages 12-18 have experienced cyberbullying.
- ✓ Serving as a breeding ground for hate speech and extremism, social media poses a significant challenge to online safety and societal harmony.
- Case in Point: In 2019, a white supremacist gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. The gunman had been active on social media platforms, where he spread his hateful views and recruited followers.
4- What are the impacts of social media’s destruction of real-life communication?
- ✓ At Social level:
- Decreased face-to-face interactions impacting the quality of relationships Negative campaigns on social media leading to social chaos and confusion
- COVID-19 Misinformation
- Decreased face-to-face interactions impacting the quality of relationships Negative campaigns on social media leading to social chaos and confusion
- ✓At Political level:
- False statements and comments on social media increasing the chances of miscommunication
- Joe Biden’s false statement of beheading of Israeli children by Hamas
- Social media algorithms creating filter bubbles and hindering constructive political conversations
- Political polarization in the US
- False statements and comments on social media increasing the chances of miscommunication
- ✓At Economic level:
- Preference of social media communication over in-person meetings leading to meagre inter-personal skills development
- Social media usage instead of physical interaction hampering economic productivity
- Deals regarding real estate, working with supply-chain companies
5- Aspects of social media which have enabled destruction of real-life communication:
- ✓ Free Access and low cost of social media
- Easy spread of propaganda and misinformation
- ✓ Penetration of social media among the people
- The global social media usage rate stood at 59 per cent
- ✓ Dependence of businesses on social media advertising campaigns
- Amazon, Shopify, Nike, Coca-Cola
6- How to reduce the negative impacts of social media on real-life communication?
- ✓Creating balance between real life and online communication
- Set time for social media usage
- ✓ Developing digital literacy to distinguish reliable sources from fake ones
- ✓Enhancing real life interactions through active and meaningful discussions
- ✓Connecting with people with similar interests rather than the ones with pessimistic approach (social media groups and communities)
- ✓Utilizing social platforms to improve, grow and develop (recipe videos, fitness inspiration and self-help tips)
- ✓Prioritizing real-world social interactions and experiences (field trips, get together)
7- Critical Analysis
8- Conclusion
Essay
Communication in real life is the cornerstone upon which human relationships are built, connecting individuals on both emotional and spiritual levels and fostering a sense of belonging within society. Nevertheless, the absence of genuine communication can lead to estrangement among family members and friends, ultimately giving rise to social anxiety and feelings of isolation. This unfortunate trend is undoubtedly exacerbated by the rampant use of social media, which has gradually eroded traditional face-to-face interactions and shifted people’s focus away from genuine conversations, causing a rift in friendships and family bonds. Moreover, the negative consequences of social media, such as reduced attention spans, the prevalence of catfishing, and diminished empathetic behaviour, have significantly contributed to the deterioration of the quality of relationships, social discord, and a decline in interpersonal skill development. However, the solution to revitalizing authentic communication and nurturing healthier relationships lies in mitigating excessive social media usage and curbing addiction. As accurately observed by Naskar, “There is no such thing as social media; there is only unsocial media.” This essay will embark on a journey to explore the profound impact of social media on real-life communication, unravelling the complex tapestry of its consequences and discovering pathways to balance the scales of connection and disconnection in contemporary society.
The emergence of social media platforms has redefined how people communicate and interact in the digital age. Not only these platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, have become integral to people’s daily lives, but they have also transformed the way people share information, connect with friends and family, and engage with the world around them. According to a Data Report in October 2023, there are a staggering 4.62 billion active social media users worldwide, accounting for over 58% of the global population. This statistic underscores the sheer ubiquity of social media in our lives. Therefore, this evolution has not only revolutionized how people interact but also profoundly impacted their cultural, business, and political values.
Read More
| 1- | Social media has destroyed real life communication by Sumiya Amjad |
| 2- | Social media has destroyed real life communication by Abdul Hanan |
One of the significant impacts of social media on real-life communication is its influence on people’s attention spans. In the digital age, individuals are frequently bombarded with a constant stream of information, often presented in bite-sized formats designed for quick consumption. This has resulted in a concerning decrease in people’s ability to focus and maintain attention, especially when compared to face-to-face interactions. According to the American Press Institute 2014 report, a significant portion of individuals, specifically 6 in 10 people, admitted to not reading beyond the headlines of articles or posts. This alarming statistic underscores the tendency to skim content and seek quick, surface-level information, which is a stark departure from the deep and sustained engagement that typically characterizes face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, the prevalence of social media has ushered in a new challenge when it comes to real-life communication; it often serves as a significant distraction, making it hard for individuals to focus on face-to-face conversations. The constant allure of notifications, updates, and digital interactions diverts people’s attention and disrupts the quality of in-person exchanges. A notable study conducted by Fullwood in 2017 revealed a disconcerting trend among young people who are heavily engaged with social media. These individuals tend to misinterpret non-verbal cues in real-life interactions, leading to negative social exchanges. When someone is engrossed in their digital world, they may fail to pick up on important non-verbal signals such as body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions. This can result in misunderstandings, miscommunications, and even strained relationships in the offline world.
Furthermore, in social media platforms, there has emerged a phenomenon known as “catfishing,” where individuals create false personas or AI-generated profiles to appear completely different from their actual selves. These fabricated personas include fictitious names, images, personal histories, and even strongly held beliefs or political views that do not align with the individual’s true convictions. As a result, the camouflaging of identities erodes trust and intimacy in real-life relationships and contributes to the proliferation of misinformation, confusion, and polarization. When individuals engage with seemingly authentic profiles that are, in fact, fabricated, they may inadvertently amplify misinformation, thereby sowing discord and undermining informed discussions. A Forbes report predicts that by 2025, AI-generated profiles will pose a significant threat, contributing to the rise of sophisticated catfishing.
Likewise, the anonymity provided by social media platforms has facilitated cyberbullying and online harassment. A study by the National Center for Bullying Prevention in 2022 found that 20% of U.S. students aged 12-18 have experienced cyberbullying. These negative online experiences can spill over into real-life interactions, affecting individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. Besides, one of the most alarming and pressing issues concerning social media’s impact on real-life communication is its role as a breeding ground for hate speech and extremism. The unrestricted and often anonymous nature of online platforms has provided a fertile ground for the propagation of extremist ideologies and the spread of hatred. This, in turn, poses a grave threat to online safety and societal harmony. A horrifying example is the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand, where a white supremacist gunman killed 51 people. The gunman had actively used social media platforms to propagate his hateful views and recruit followers. The speed and reach of these platforms allowed him to disseminate his extremist ideology, ultimately leading to a violent act that shattered lives and communities. Thus, the prevalence of hate speech and extremism on social media platforms has far-reaching consequences. It not only endangers online safety by creating an environment where individuals are exposed to threatening content, but it also contributes to the polarization and division of societies.
The influence of social media on real-life communication has led to a series of significant impacts across various societal levels, including the social, political, and economic dimensions. These effects underscore the complexities and challenges that come with the pervasive use of social media. At the social level, the prevalence of online communication and decreased face-to-face interactions profoundly impact the quality of personal relationships by hindering the development of trust, empathy, and deeper connections. Additionally, negative and polarizing content on social media platforms contributes to social chaos and confusion, sowing discord and misinformation among communities. Furthermore, social media has played a significant role in the rapid dissemination of misinformation, including conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which poses public health risks. Similarly, at the political level, social media’s influence leads to an increase in the spread of false statements and comments, leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings among the public. High-profile figures sharing unverified or false claims on these platforms can have diplomatic implications and stoke tensions. Additionally, the algorithms employed by social media platforms often create filter bubbles, reinforcing users’ existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints, hindering constructive political discourse and the democratic exchange of ideas. This, in turn, exacerbates political polarization, making it more challenging to find common ground and work towards bipartisan solutions. Besides, at the economic level, the preference for digital communication over face-to-face meetings hampers the development of essential interpersonal skills necessary for effective in-person interactions. Moreover, the reliance on social media platforms for business transactions and negotiations, such as real estate deals and supply-chain management, can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and economic challenges. These impacts underscore the need for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to address the challenges posed by social media’s influence on real-life communication, including the potential risks to relationships, information accuracy, political discourse, and economic productivity.
The destruction of real-life communication by social media is propelled by several pivotal factors. Firstly, the ease of free access and low cost of social media platforms have led to the rampant spread of propaganda and misinformation, as these platforms serve as fertile ground for the dissemination of unreliable content. Secondly, the wide-reaching penetration of social media among the global population, with a usage rate of 59 per cent, underscores its omnipresence, making it a primary channel for information dissemination and interaction. Finally, the growing dependence of businesses on social media advertising campaigns, exemplified by industry giants like Amazon, Shopify, Nike, and Coca-Cola, has further entrenched social media as a dominant mode of communication. This reliance on digital platforms for marketing and customer engagement has inadvertently weakened the significance of face-to-face interactions and traditional communication methods, accentuating the profound impact of social media on real-life communication dynamics. These aspects collectively highlight the intricate relationship between social media and the deterioration of in-person communication.
To mitigate the negative impacts of social media on real-life communication, individuals can take the following proactive steps. First, individuals can create a balance between online and offline interactions by setting specific times for social media usage, allowing for undistracted real-life communication. Furthermore, enhancing face-to-face interactions through active and meaningful discussions fosters genuine human connection. Engaging with individuals who share similar interests, rather than succumbing to pessimistic online environments, can promote constructive dialogue and positive interactions. Leveraging social platforms for self-improvement, whether through recipe videos, fitness inspiration, or self-help tips, transforms online spaces into avenues for personal growth. Ultimately, prioritizing real-world social interactions and experiences, such as field trips and get-togethers, rejuvenates the depth and authenticity of human communication, allowing individuals to regain control over the positive aspects of their interactions while minimizing the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.
Critically, social media’s influence on real-life communication remains a subject of ongoing debate and evolution. Undoubtedly, social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for communication and the swift acquisition of current information from virtually any corner of the world. However, this convenience, when taken to excess, can inadvertently foster a dependency that erodes cognitive abilities, decision-making skills, and intellectual prowess, thereby detrimentally affecting face-to-face communication. While these platforms were originally introduced to enhance human connectivity, their overreliance can result in a pervasive distraction, diverting individuals from their life goals and aspirations. Consequently, the judicious and balanced use of social media emerges as a key strategy for mitigating its negative impacts.
In conclusion, social media has played an integral role in ushering humanity into the modern age, enhancing our communication, productivity, access to information, and entertainment methods. Yet, the unbridled dependence on this technology has wrought significant erosion in the realm of real-life communication. This overreliance diminishes physical interactions, decision-making power, and cognitive development. Additionally, social media fosters superficial interactions and impolite conduct due to deficiencies in verbal skills and emotional intelligence. It disrupts quality time and fuels cyberbullying and unhealthy comparisons. However, balancing real-life communication necessitates prioritizing face-to-face interaction, setting screen time limits, and avoiding comparison-based content on social media can counteract the detrimental effects of excessive social media use. As renowned author John Naisbitt once wisely said, “We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge,” and this adage underscores the significance of preserving real-life communication in our increasingly digital world.
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| 1. | It Matters Not What Someone is Born, but What They Grow to Be |
| 2. | Developing countries must be able to reap the benefits of international trade. |
| 3. | Artificial intelligence has overstepped its bounds. |
| 4. | No legacy is so rich as honesty. |
| 5. | Social media has destroyed real life communication. |
| 6. | Globalization: The end of austerity. |
| 7. | Children must be taught how to think, not what to think. |
| 8. | Pakistani women have the same chances as men. |
| 9. | Unipolar, bipolar or multipolar: New direction of the world. |
| 10. | So, surely, with hardship comes ease. |
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