Social media
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Social media
"Social media" is a frequent topic in the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules. You may be asked to discuss how it affects communication, relationships, mental health, or even global politics. A strong and precise vocabulary will help you express your ideas more effectively and score higher in the lexical resource criterion.
Below are 20 carefully selected vocabulary items related to social media, complete with IELTS-appropriate example sentences to demonstrate proper usage in both speaking and writing contexts.
1. Online presence: [Meaning: The visibility of an individual or brand on the internet]
Example 1: Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for job seekers in today’s digital world.
Example 2: Many influencers have built their careers solely through their online presence.
2. Go viral: [Meaning: To spread rapidly across the internet]
Example 1: The dance video went viral overnight, gaining over 10 million views.
Example 2: In my IELTS essay, I mentioned how misinformation can go viral and cause real-world problems.
3. Hashtag culture: [Meaning: The widespread use of hashtags to label and spread content]
Example 1: Hashtag culture enables social movements to gain traction on platforms like Twitter.
Example 2: While hashtag culture promotes awareness, it can also oversimplify complex issues.
4. Newsfeed: [Meaning: A continuously updated list of posts from others on social media]
Example 1: I often get distracted by my newsfeed while trying to study.
Example 2: Social media platforms personalise your newsfeed using algorithms.
5. Digital footprint: [Meaning: All the information left behind when using digital services]
Example 1: It’s important to manage your digital footprint when applying for jobs.
Example 2: In the IELTS Speaking test, I explained that a large digital footprint can compromise privacy.
6. Cyberbullying: [Meaning: Harassment or bullying using digital platforms]
Example 1: Schools should educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying.
Example 2: Cyberbullying is a major reason why many teenagers suffer from low self-esteem.
7. Social networking site: [Meaning: A platform where users connect, share, and interact]
Example 1: Facebook was one of the first major social networking sites.
Example 2: In my writing, I discussed whether social networking sites foster real friendships.
8. Echo chamber: [Meaning: An environment where a person only encounters opinions that reflect their own]
Example 1: Social media algorithms often create echo chambers that limit diverse viewpoints.
Example 2: In academic writing, the term echo chamber is often linked with political polarisation.
9. Algorithmic bias: [Meaning: A systematic error in a computer algorithm that reflects human prejudice]
Example 1: Algorithmic bias can lead to unfair content moderation on social platforms.
Example 2: Tech companies are under pressure to eliminate algorithmic bias from their systems.
10. Influencer economy: [Meaning: The industry built around social media influencers who earn through sponsorships]
Example 1: The influencer economy has revolutionised digital marketing.
Example 2: Many teenagers aspire to join the influencer economy instead of pursuing traditional careers.
11. Filter bubble: [Meaning: A situation where users only see information that confirms their beliefs]
Example 1: Filter bubbles can prevent people from understanding opposing perspectives.
Example 2: In IELTS Task 2, I argued that filter bubbles threaten democratic discussion.
12. Digital detox: [Meaning: A period of intentionally avoiding digital devices and platforms]
Example 1: After final exams, I took a week-long digital detox to recharge mentally.
Example 2: Digital detox is becoming popular among professionals dealing with screen fatigue.
13. User-generated content: [Meaning: Content created and shared by regular users online]
Example 1: User-generated content has made social media more democratic.
Example 2: Platforms rely heavily on user-generated content for engagement.
14. Paradox of connectivity: [Meaning: The idea that being constantly connected can lead to isolation]
Example 1: The paradox of connectivity explains why social media users often feel lonelier.
Example 2: In my essay, I discussed the paradox of connectivity as a downside of technology.
15. Platform regulation: [Meaning: Government or corporate policies to control how digital platforms operate]
Example 1: Platform regulation is necessary to prevent the spread of harmful content.
Example 2: Debates about platform regulation focus on balancing free speech and accountability.
16. Disinformation campaign: [Meaning: A coordinated effort to spread false information online]
Example 1: Disinformation campaigns have interfered with several national elections.
Example 2: Governments and tech firms are working to stop disinformation campaigns.
17. Digital echo system: [Meaning: The interconnected structure of users, devices, and platforms]
Example 1: Our entire lives now exist within a complex digital ecosystem.
Example 2: Disruptions in the digital ecosystem can affect communication and business operations.
18. Online activism: [Meaning: The use of social media to support political or social causes]
Example 1: Online activism played a key role in raising awareness about climate change.
Example 2: While online activism is powerful, some argue it lacks real-world impact.
19. Information overload: [Meaning: The difficulty in processing too much information at once]
Example 1: Social media often leads to information overload, making it hard to focus.
Example 2: I mentioned in my essay that information overload affects both productivity and mental health.
20. Virtual identity: [Meaning: A digital persona created through online profiles]
Example 1: Many people construct a virtual identity that differs from their real-life personality.
Example 2: Virtual identity is becoming a key concept in discussions about online authenticity.
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