Social Media's Impact on Communication

Read the following passage about the effects of social media on communication:

Social media platforms have changed the way we interact with one another. While they provide opportunities for connection, they can also hinder face-to-face communication skills. Studies show that heavy users of social media may experience difficulties in interpreting emotional cues, which are more apparent in direct conversations. Furthermore, the reliance on text-based communication can lead to misunderstandings and reduced empathy among users.

Now, listen to a conversation between two students discussing this topic:

Student A: I think social media actually enhances communication by allowing us to connect with people around the world.

Student B: That’s true, but I also worry that it makes us less capable of having real conversations. We often hide behind our screens and lose the ability to read facial expressions and body language.

Now, in your response, summarize the main points made in the reading and the conversation. Explain how they relate to each other and provide your opinion on whether social media is more beneficial or detrimental to communication.