Lesson 7A and Life Skills A for and against essay, how best to use social media

• I can write a balanced for-and-against essay.

Cookies and your data: the essay task

Nowadays many companies track Internet users’ personal data using ‘cookies’ in order to deliver personalised content or advertising. Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.

The model essay: should companies track us?

Now read how one student handles the same task.

List the arguments for and against tracking online personal data.

The Writing box: how a for-and-against essay is built

Some people feel quite comfortable with this, whereas others consider it an invasion of privacy.

Although most people are careful with data such as online banking details, many actually prefer more personalised marketing and feel that their search results are likely to be more relevant if the search company better understands their needs.

This is clearly far more convenient, even though it is, of course, less secure.

In spite of these potential benefits, a significant number of people are choosing to use ad-blocking software in order to avoid digital advertising altogether.

Nevertheless, a surprising amount of information can be collected: what you have bought, where you have been, what you have ‘liked’ on social media, and a great deal more.

• Summarise the topic of the essay:
• In recent years, it has become more and more common …
• Outline what you are going to discuss:

Next, the two main paragraphs: for, then against.

1 ___ it is extremely common for companies to …

2 ___ feel … whereas others …

There may be some clear 3 ___ to doing …

Another positive 4 ___ of … is …

In spite of these 5 ___ benefits, many people ...

It is 6 ___ that …

In conclusion, it seems 7 ___ that …

• In your first main paragraph, give arguments in favour of the situation:
• In your second main paragraph, give arguments against the situation:
• Nevertheless, many people feel …
• It is commonly believed that …
• It is argued by some people that …
• Many people are of the opinion that …

• Summarise and give your opinion:
• In my considered opinion …

Linkers of contrast: while, although, despite, however

1 Many cookies are harmless.

2 There were several cyber attacks last year.

3 Good cookies make websites more user-friendly.

Weigh other people’s arguments, then write your essay

A for-and-against essay needs to introduce different perspectives and critically evaluate them, considering in what ways they may have good arguments as well as any flaws.

• In your essay, explain how arguments made by others are strong as well as point out any weaknesses in them.

Using social media well: six pieces of advice

Social media allows us to communicate with our friends and family, sharing our ideas and experiences.

• It allows us to belong to groups of people with the same ideas, hobbies or interests.
• You can see the works of artists you admire, read about new books or films, research information for your school and learn a range of new skills.

• Commenting when you are online is a good way to feel connected with people, but remember to be constructive in your comments.
• You would not want people to be unkind in their comments to you, so make sure you are kind to other people.
• The worst kinds of comments make people feel uncomfortable or even threatened. This is called cyberbullying.
• If this happens to you or someone you know, make sure you tell a teacher or parent.
• Try to block the person who is cyberbullying too.

Next: what you post stays with you.

• Social media can play an important part in your education.
• You can never delete something that has been on the internet, so think carefully about what you post.
• Don’t forget that when you apply to university or for a job, people might look at your social media history and what you have posted in the past could affect your future prospects.

• Privacy is important on social media. Make sure that you know who can see what you post online.
• Social media sites have privacy settings, so it is best to only allow your friends or fellow students to see what you post, or people you can trust.
• When you get a request for someone to be a friend, do not accept it if they are not people you know in the real world.
• Never agree to meet strangers or give away details about yourself such as your address and telephone number.

• Social media sites can usually track the user’s location.
• This can be useful when you want to meet a friend, for example, but you should not leave location services on permanently.
• It is important to use social media carefully or it can have a negative effect on your life.
• For example, if you follow someone, make sure they are influencing you in a positive way.
• If you think this might not be true, you can opt out of content that does not positively affect you.

• To conclude, social media can be a great tool, especially for education, but try not to spend too much time on it.
• Studies have shown that spending too much time on social media can affect your sleep.
• It can also make people feel bad about themselves, too, often because the social media user thinks other people are having a better or more exciting time than they are.
• Some phones have a setting where you can set a time limit for your social media use. It is a good idea to use it.

Read the newspaper article about using social media and answer the questions.

1 Why should you be positive about people when you make a comment?

2 What should you do if you think you or a friend is being cyberbullied?

3 In what ways can social media affect your future prospects?

4 Why are privacy settings important?

5 Which kinds of people should you not follow?

6 What negative effects can social media have on people?

7 What settings does the article say it is a good idea to turn on? And which one should you turn off?

True or false? Check with the talk

Managing your online image: match tip and advice

1 □ Don’t post anything online without thinking about its consequences first.

2 □ Take steps to hide anything negative.

3 □ The same rules apply online as in real life.

4 □ Do a search on your name every six months or so.

5 □ Check your privacy settings regularly.

What might you then notice online?

Is this risky?