Describe the impact of social media on society
Describe the impact of social media on society.
You should say:
- how social media has changed the way people communicate
- the positive and negative effects of social media
- how social media influences relationships and social interactions
And explain your personal thoughts on the role of social media in today's world.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
This card asks for analysis, so organise ideas clearly: changes, pros and cons, relationships, then your view.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| How social media has changed the way people communicate | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| The positive and negative effects of social media | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How social media influences relationships and social interactions | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain your personal thoughts on the role of social media in today's world. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
Social media has completely transformed the way people communicate. Twenty years ago, if you wanted to share news with friends, you'd call them or meet up. Now a single post can reach hundreds of people instantly, and conversations happen constantly in group chats rather than in occasional long phone calls.
There are clear positives. It's easier to stay in touch with relatives abroad, small businesses can find customers cheaply, and important issues can gain public attention very quickly. On the negative side, the constant comparison with other people's carefully edited lives can damage self-esteem, especially among teenagers, and false information spreads just as fast as the truth.
When it comes to relationships, I think it's a mixed picture. It helps people maintain a large network of weak connections, but some research suggests it can make deep friendships harder, because people spend time scrolling instead of talking face to face.
Personally, I see social media as a tool that reflects how we use it. I think it plays a useful role, but people, and especially schools, need to focus more on digital literacy so users can recognise misinformation and set healthy limits.
About 191 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- completely transformed
- stay in touch with
- carefully edited lives
- a mixed picture
- face to face
- digital literacy
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What steps can individuals take to ensure responsible and safe use of social media?
- Has social media made people more or less connected?
- How does social media affect self-esteem and body image?
- What are the ethical considerations related to privacy and data protection on social media?
- How can society address cyberbullying and online harassment?
- Do you think social media platforms have a responsibility to regulate content?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.