Synthesis of Social Media's Impact on Relationships

Hard Synthesis Of Information Integrating Sources

Read the following excerpts from two different articles discussing the impacts of social media on interpersonal relationships. Use the information provided in these excerpts to answer the question below.

Excerpt 1: "While social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can facilitate communication over long distances, studies show that heavy usage may lead to feelings of isolation and decreased face-to-face interactions. Users report that their online interactions often lack the emotional fulfillment that comes from in-person conversations, resulting in a paradox where users feel both more connected and more alone."

Excerpt 2: "According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 70% of young adults believe that social media helps them maintain friendships more effectively than traditional methods. This suggests that while there may be negatives associated with social media, it also plays a critical role in sustaining relationships in an increasingly digitized world."

Based on these two perspectives, which of the following statements synthesizes the information most effectively?

The overwhelming evidence suggests that social media has uniformly negative effects on relationships.

Social media serves as a tool that can both enhance communication and foster isolation in interpersonal relationships.

Young adults rely solely on face-to-face interactions to maintain their relationships.

Pew Research Center findings indicate that social media is ineffective in maintaining friendships.

There is no clear consensus among experts regarding the impact of social media on personal relationships.

Hint

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