Question
6. Read the following two passages about the dangers of social media:
Passage #1: Social media, while a powerful tool for communication, poses significant dangers that can adversely affect users, particularly teenagers. For instance, studies have shown that excessive use of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression among young people, as they often compare their lives to the seemingly perfect portrayals of their peers. Additionally, the anonymity of social media can foster cyberbullying, where individuals feel empowered to harass others without facing immediate consequences. This toxic environment not only harms mental health but can also lead to long-term emotional scars, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and responsible usage among adolescents.
Passage #2: Social media is bad because people say mean things online. Many young people spend too much time on their phones, and this can make them sad. It's not good to be on social media all the time because it can affect friendships. Some people get bullied, and that’s not nice.
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining how one of the passages is more effective than the other proving the central idea of the topic (dangers of social media). Be specific in your explanation.
Passage #1: Social media, while a powerful tool for communication, poses significant dangers that can adversely affect users, particularly teenagers. For instance, studies have shown that excessive use of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression among young people, as they often compare their lives to the seemingly perfect portrayals of their peers. Additionally, the anonymity of social media can foster cyberbullying, where individuals feel empowered to harass others without facing immediate consequences. This toxic environment not only harms mental health but can also lead to long-term emotional scars, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and responsible usage among adolescents.
Passage #2: Social media is bad because people say mean things online. Many young people spend too much time on their phones, and this can make them sad. It's not good to be on social media all the time because it can affect friendships. Some people get bullied, and that’s not nice.
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining how one of the passages is more effective than the other proving the central idea of the topic (dangers of social media). Be specific in your explanation.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Passage #1 is significantly more effective than Passage #2 in conveying the dangers of social media due to its depth of analysis and use of empirical evidence. It cites studies that directly link excessive use of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to increased anxiety and depression among teenagers, providing a credible foundation for its claims. Moreover, it elaborates on the anonymity of social media as a factor contributing to cyberbullying, emphasizing the long-term emotional consequences that can result from such behaviors. This comprehensive approach not only highlights specific issues but also underscores the urgent need for awareness and responsible usage, making the central idea more compelling. In contrast, Passage #2 presents a simplistic view that lacks detailed explanation or supportive evidence, failing to fully engage the reader or effectively communicate the seriousness of the topic. Thus, Passage #1 offers a richer, more persuasive argument regarding the dangers of social media.