Analyzing Structure in Argumentative Essays

Read the following excerpt from an argumentative essay discussing the effects of social media on interpersonal communication. Then answer the question that follows:

Throughout the past two decades, social media has transformed how we connect with each other. While proponents argue that it brings friends and families closer, enhancing communication, they overlook a critical point: the quality of those interactions is deteriorating. Many individuals now prefer to send a text or tweet rather than make a phone call or meet in person. This shift has significant implications for our social skills and emotional intelligence, which are nurtured through direct, face-to-face interactions.

Moreover, studies indicate that excessive use of social networking sites correlates with increased feelings of loneliness and societal isolation. When connections are reduced to likes and shares, the depth of personal relationships can wane, leaving individuals feeling disconnected. Thus, while the convenience of social media is undeniable, it raises essential questions about the true cost of our modern style of communication.