Social media has become an integral part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter (now X), and Facebook offer instant connectivity, entertainment, and a space for self-expression...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
The relationship between social media and mental health is one of the most debated topics of our time, directly impacting the daily lives of students. This in-depth guide moves beyond a simple "good vs. bad" debate to provide a nuanced analysis, concrete examples, and the specific tools you need to write a high-scoring essay on this complex subject.
Social media has become an integral part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter (now X), and Facebook offer instant connectivity, entertainment, and a space for self-expression. However, alongside these benefits, concerns have grown about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Studies and public discourse have increasingly linked excessive social media use to issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and body image dissatisfaction. This essay examines how social media affects mental health, exploring both its positive and negative influences and the complex dynamics that shape users' experiences.
Why this matters on the exam
Topics concerning technology and society are frequent on English exams, particularly in tasks that require you to write an argumentative or discursive essay. An exam prompt might be, "Discuss the extent to which social media platforms are responsible for the mental well-being of their users," or "To what extent do you agree that the benefits of social media outweigh its harms?" This topic directly engages with core curriculum elements like "Communication" and "Democracy and Citizenship," as it involves how we interact, form identities, and participate in modern society. Mastering this topic shows an examiner you can handle a contemporary, complex issue with nuance, critical thinking, and structured argumentation. …