Question

many researchers argue that teens today have weaker social skills than teens of the past because they are no longer used to communicating face to face. while it may be true that teens have more social interactions per day through electronic devices, some of their conversations are actually more open and meaningful because of technology. with the barrier of technology, people do not fear the immediate reaction they would face if the person were in front of them. in many ways, the ability to communicate from a distance makes people more open and honest than if they were having more face - to - face interactions. which opposing argument does the writer recognize? teens have weaker social skills. which fact does the writer use to weaken the opposing argument? teens communicate mostly face to face. teens are more open with each other. teens have weaker social skills.

Explanation:

The writer recognizes the opposing argument that teens have weaker social skills. To weaken this, the writer uses the fact that teens are more open with each other. The text explains that through technology (which allows communication from a distance), people (including teens) are more open and honest than in face - to - face interactions. This shows that social interaction (even if not face - to - face) can still be meaningful, countering the idea of weaker social skills.

Answer:

The opposing argument recognized is "Teens have weaker social skills." The fact used to weaken it is "Teens are more open with each other."