Reading Comprehension: Social Networks!

When we read, we must consider the point of view that the writer supports when writing. It this post, I will answer some questions about two texts about Social Networks, both with different points of view. One of the writers, Tamar Lewin, supports the use of Social Networks by teenagers because he thinks they prepare young people for their future, learning essential internet tools. However, Dr Aric Sigman thinks that the excessive use of this Networks may cause biological problems in the users, plus problems in their social skills. To clarify things, I will answer some questions about this texts, which you can find in pages 109-110 of the IB course companion book.

1. What are the opinions expressed by the researchers in texts 2 and 3?

Lewin shows a clear position supporting social networks, based on the tools that a teenager can learn while using them. In the other hand, Dr Sigman focusses on the health aspect, affirming that the use of the internet can create biological problems in the user. Also, Dr Sigman seems to be worried of the lose of social skills and interacting forms with the use of the internet to communicate. 

2. What are the differences in the ways the researchers view community?

They are just opposite. I think Lewin observes only the positive aspects of the networks, while Dr Sigman goes directly to their problems. Personally, I think the both take extreme points of view instead of presenting a balanced position about social networks. However, we must consider that the biological knowledge of Dr Sigman leads him to a more biological view, while Lewin seems to be more positive and "modern" minded, because he defends the new ways of social relations.

3. What kinds of distinctions do the researchers make (or not make) in relation to communication?

Lewin thinks that communicating via the internet is just as valid as face-to-face, while Dr Sigman makes clear differences between both, stating that there are different biological responses in both cases. We must consider that while being behind a screen we can say things that we probably wouldn't in a face-to-face conversation.