Do You Use Social Media? Part 1 Answer (Band 9)
Band-9 Part 1 answer on social media habits, with platform vocabulary, curated-use framing, and delivery tip.
Do you use social media?
Platform question — which, for what, with what limits. Apps plus purposes plus guardrails.
Band-9 sample answer (30 seconds)
"Functionally: messaging for family groups, professional network for careers, video essays for learning. Infinite feeds got deleted years ago — tools kept, traps removed."
Extended version
"The cull happened gradually: first the outrage networks (anger isn't information), then short-video apps (time dissolving without residue), finally anything with streaks or scores. What survived earns its place daily. Messaging coordinates three generations across continents — genuinely irreplaceable. The professional network delivered two jobs and countless industry insights; curated ruthlessly, it's a conference that never ends. Video essays replaced television: long-form explainers on history, science, craft — education disguised as downtime. Rules govern the rest: no phones at meals, no feeds before noon, quarterly audits deleting whatever stopped serving. Social media, used this way, is infrastructure. Used defaultly, it's quicksand with notifications."
Delivery tip
Social-media answers need the kept list (with functions), the deleted list (with reasons), and the rules. Kept-deleted-rules is a complete digital diet.
Phrases examiners reward
- functionally — purposefully (precise adverb)
- anger isn't information — outrage critique
- dissolving without residue — wasted time image
- conference that never ends — network value metaphor
- education disguised downtime — learning leisure
- quicksand with notifications — trap image close
Part 3 bridge
Social media opens Part 3: platform regulation, youth mental health, influencer economy, digital literacy curricula.
Quick answers
Heavy user or minimalist?
Curated middle: specific uses kept, infinite feeds cut. Purposeful platforms plus deleted time-sinks reads as digitally mature.
Which platforms: name them?
Yes with function each: messaging for family, professional network for careers, video for learning. Function-per-platform shows intentional use.
Negative effects: mention?
Briefly as managed risks: comparison traps muted, time limits set. Acknowledged-and-handled beats denial.
More technology questions in the Part 1 bank — next: calling or texting.