Essay 43 – The internet allows us to stay connected with each other

Last Updated: 3rd April 2020

GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 43

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with these statements?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
The internet is a marvellous invention and has revolutionised the way we communicate with friends and family. Despite the fact that we are no longer away from our dear ones as we can talk to them anytime or see their updates on our favourite social networking platform, it has, in my opinion, diminished the very fabric of our social bonding in which we actually meet people rather than texting, calling or chatting with them.

To begin with, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter allow us to be in touch with people we care or even idolise. Thus we can call our friends or parents even when we are far away from them. WhatsApp, Viber and similar applications have made it possible to make video calls for free and this has enhanced the way we communicate with people. We can make new friends, get updates from our favourite celebrities and political leaders using the internet no matter the distance.

However, the way of communication is completely digital and lack the personal touch and emotions. For instance, I have not met some of my friends in the last few months though they have contacted me online several times. We used to meet once in a while but not anymore and I guess none of us realises that our online world is causing a fracture in our friendship. To make things worse, many have become prisoners to their digital world and do not like to interact with others in person. They are more comfortable saying “hello!” using an emoji than visiting a relative and saying that face-to-face which in a way is the first step to quarantine us from others.

To conclude, the internet with its unfathomable power has given us more choices than ever in the area of communication and social interaction. But if we decide to become prisoners to technology, our real-world and relation would be jeopardised.

Sample Answer 2: [Agreement]
The internet is a wonderful tool that helps us to keep in touch wherever we are. However, I do think that some people become addicted to this virtual world. Progress often comes at a price, and there are many who are concerned about the impact the internet has on our social and daily life.

First, let us consider the tremendous benefit the internet has brought for us. Undoubtedly, the pivotal of these is the ease with which it allows us to make contact with people anywhere in the world. Nowadays, the business world makes use of this every day. Without the internet, companies would find it extremely difficult to expand and meet the needs of their customers. The same ability to keep in touch extends into our personal lives. For example, when my cousin was backpacking around the world, he was able to reassure his family and friends that all was well and also share memories almost immediately using Facebook.

Progress comes at a price, however, and there is another side of the coin. The conveniences that the internet brings means that our work is only ever a few mouse clicks away. Consequently, many people find it difficult to ever escaping from work. In addition, the websites that encourage us to keep in touch may, ironically, create antipathy to socialising among some users. They end up with more virtual friends than actual friends in real life. In reality, their feeling of connectedness may only be an illusion as they become more and more isolated in their houses.

To conclude, I completely agree that, although there are clear benefits to the use of the internet, there are also certain risks. Having said that, I believe that these can be minimised with proper education and guidance. As far as I am concerned, something that can bring the world into the home of a person who is disabled and essentially housebound, is more indispensable than intrusive.

Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
The way people communicate and contact others have been radically transformed with the influence and use of the internet. Despite some people’s claim that technological advancement and use of internet technology have isolated us from society, I wholeheartedly believe that our communication and socialisation have been uplifted and motivated with the help of the internet.

To begin with, some people have always avoided public interactions and social programmes and these people existed even in the pre-internet era. So when we see a few people, who are basically introvert in nature, and like to stay indoors and interact with others over the internet, we easily blame the technology for this behaviours. But we forget to appreciate the role the internet has played and constantly playing to help us communicate with our dear ones, make new friends and do all these communications at a minimal cost and effort. I can never agree that the internet has isolated us. It is quite the contrary- it has given us unparalleled freedom in communication and socialising that the human has never witnessed before.

The internet was invented so that people can share information and interact with others. Now the use of the internet expands to a much greater level and we have the liberty to make video calls no matter the distance. We can make new friends beyond the border and social media help us reconnect with our childhood friends who would otherwise have been unreachable. This technology helps us create different social awareness programmes and connect people who are interested to work for others, donate to a good cause no matter what part of the world it is being taken place and thus the internet has actually given a common platform for people to interact and become more socially active.

In conclusion, the internet is a spectacular invention that has revolutionised the way we communicate, make new friends and contribute to different social welfare and programmes. The way we embrace it depends on what type of persons we are and not on the way this technology has evolved.