Which of the following sentences would best represent a rebuttal? Select TWO correct answers.

Question

Even though some influencers promote positive messages, the pressure to look perfect or live
lavishly often overshadows these efforts.
While influencers may promote body positivity, the culture still emphasizes unrealistic
expectations of beauty and success.
Although some influencers do not engage in harmful promotion, their positive messages cannot
undo the overall negative influence of social media.
Influencers who spread body positivity often help teens improve their mental health, reducing
anxiety related to appearance.
Social media influencers have a responsibility to ensure their content positively influences teens,
regardless of the pressures they face.
5. Read the original claim.
The influence of social media influencers often leads teenagers to
develop unrealistic expectations about their own lives.
Why is the inclusion of a counterargument significant and how does it strengthen the original
claim?
__________________________________________________________________________________


[1] From fashion trends to lifestyle choices, social media influencers have a profound effect on the lives of
teenagers, shaping not only their buying habits but also their sense of self. While social media influencers
can inspire positive changes in teenagers, their impact often leads to impractical expectations, social
comparison, and mental health challenges.
[2] Studies have shown that teenagers who spend significant time following influencers are more likely to feel
pressure to emulate the seemingly perfect lives they see online. According to a 2022 report, 60% of teens
reported feeling inadequate after viewing influencer content that promotes unattainable beauty standards or
luxurious lifestyles. Furthermore, the rise of influencers promoting products has created a culture of
materialism, where self-worth is increasingly tied to the accumulation of trendy items.
[3] Supporters of influencers argue that many promote positive lifestyles, offering teens valuable advice on
self-care, fitness, and personal development. It is true that some influencers use their platforms to spread
awareness about mental health, body positivity, and environmental issues, encouraging teenagers to make
positive lifestyle changes. However, even influencers with positive messages often present an idealized
version of life that can still contribute to harmful comparisons. The curated nature of influencer content,
which emphasizes perfection and success, leaves many teens feeling inadequate when they fail to meet
these standards.
[4] While social media influencers can have a positive influence on teenagers, the pressures they create
through unrealistic portrayals of life can contribute to negative mental health outcomes. Teens must learn to
engage critically with the content they consume, recognizing the curated nature of influencer culture and its
potential pitfalls

Answer 1

The two sentences that best represent a rebuttal to the original claim are:

1. "Although some influencers do not engage in harmful promotion, their positive messages cannot undo the overall negative influence of social media."
2. "Even though some influencers promote positive messages, the pressure to look perfect or live lavishly often overshadows these efforts."

These sentences acknowledge the counterargument that some influencers may promote positive messages but argue that this does not negate the overall negative impact of social media on teenagers' expectations and mental health.

Significance of the Counterargument

The inclusion of a counterargument is significant because it acknowledges the complexity of the issue at hand. By recognizing that some influencers do promote positive messages, it strengthens the original claim by demonstrating that while there are beneficial aspects to influencer culture, the dominant trend still leads to the perpetuation of unrealistic expectations. This nuanced view allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the harmful effects of social media influencers on teenagers and reinforces the assertion that the pressure created by social media outweighs the potential positive influences.