Social media’s influence on cultural values has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. The role of media in shaping culture is particularly relevant given its global significance and impact on societies worldwide.
The complex relationship between social media platforms and traditional cultural values in modern society
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on traditional cultural values, while others think it helps preserve and promote cultural heritage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both positive and negative impacts
- Present balanced arguments
- Provide relevant examples
- Express a personal viewpoint
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The impact of social media on cultural heritage is a complex phenomenon that merits careful consideration. While some argue that it erodes traditional values, others maintain that it serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and promotion.
Social media platforms can indeed pose challenges to traditional cultural values. The constant exposure to global trends and lifestyles often leads to the homogenization of cultural practices, particularly among younger generations. For instance, traditional festivals and ceremonies in many Asian countries are increasingly being replaced by Western-style celebrations, largely due to social media influence. Moreover, the instant gratification culture promoted by social media platforms can undermine traditional values such as patience, respect for elders, and community bonds.
However, social media also offers unprecedented opportunities for cultural preservation. Digital platforms enable communities to document, share, and celebrate their cultural heritage on a global scale. For example, indigenous communities in Australia use social media to share their traditional stories and art with worldwide audiences, ensuring their cultural legacy endures. Additionally, social media facilitates cultural exchange and understanding, allowing people to appreciate and learn about different traditions and customs.
In my opinion, while social media presents certain challenges to traditional values, its potential as a tool for cultural preservation and promotion outweighs these concerns. The key lies in how we utilize these platforms. By consciously using social media to document and share cultural practices while maintaining awareness of potential negative impacts, we can harness its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.
Social media platforms being used to document and preserve traditional cultural practices
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Social media has become very important in our daily lives and affects our cultural values in different ways. The effects of cultural exchange on societal values can be both positive and negative.
On the negative side, social media can harm traditional values. Many young people spend too much time on social media and forget about traditional activities. For example, in my country, fewer people participate in traditional festivals because they prefer to stay home and use social media. Also, people often copy Western lifestyle they see on social media, which can make them forget their own culture.
However, social media can also help preserve culture. People can share videos and photos of traditional events on Facebook and Instagram, which helps others learn about their culture. For instance, many cultural groups use YouTube to teach traditional dances and music to young people. This helps keep these traditions alive.
I think social media has more positive effects than negative ones on cultural values. Although there are some problems, we can use social media to protect and share our culture with others. The important thing is to use social media wisely and remember our traditional values.
Key Vocabulary
- homogenization (n) /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making things uniform
- indigenous (adj) /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – naturally existing in a place
- gratification (n) /ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – pleasure or satisfaction
- preservation (n) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – keeping something in its original state
- erode (v) /ɪˈrəʊd/ – gradually destroy
- legacy (n) /ˈleɡəsi/ – something handed down from the past
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never having happened before
For further practice, consider writing about these related topics:
- The influence of social media on local languages
- Social media’s impact on traditional family relationships
- The role of social media in cultural globalization
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
