IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer 33 - Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialise online rather than face to face. Is this a positive or negative development?

A lot of changes have been witnessed in the field of communication with the advancement in technology. It is true that the number of people who prefer to communicate virtually is increasing day by day. In my view, though it has eased communication, it has affected the relationship adversely.

The major drawback when people opt to communicate using online technology is that it leads to poor familial relationships. Communication plays a key role in maintaining bonding among people. Unlike face to face communication, online communication fails to convey the actual feelings of an individual effectively though it provides a platform for smooth interaction. The absence of face to face socialisation has led to lack of intimacy between the family members who choose to interact online due to the added comfort of virtual communication. 

 Another disadvantage associated with socialising online is that it leads to social isolation.  In the past days people preferred to meet their friends in person, whereas today, people concentrate on building relationships using social media confining within their homes and often this has resulted in social isolation.  Isolation from society sometimes can affect the psychological health of a person and may lead to depression and behavioural problems.

However, one cannot ignore the fact that online communicational facilities have bridged the time and space between people. This has helped in maintaining long distance relationships owing to the convenience and flexibility available in this mode.

In conclusion, technology has revolutionised the way of communication.  Even though it has helped to solve the various hurdles in communication, the adversities arising out of the same cannot be ignored.