Consider the way that social media has changed the way people interact. How can social networking often result in positive outcomes, some with long-term impactful consequences?

Choose one of the following topics for your essay. Then, complete your pre-writing (essentially a simple draft of your thesis and the main ideas to be covered in your paragraphs) to be turned in as the FIRST page of your essay (not included in the 4 pages).

Guidelines:

Length: no less than a minimum of 4 full pages. There is no maximum.

Format: Heading with the identifier “Paper 2 Draft;” double-space; 12 point font; 1” margins

Sources: You must cite from a minimum of three (3) of the texts assigned to read for class last week and you must find one (1) additional article on your own that will add context and depth to your papers. When you do include a paraphrase or a direct quote, you must include a citation: the simplest form includes the author’s last name and the page number on which the quote or paraphrase was found, ie: (Lenhart 5). In your prewrite, please identify your external source by author, title, source, URL and date published.

1. Write a paper in which you analyze how privacy concerns have grown as a result of social media.

Consider these before you begin:

Have social media, texting, cell phones, and the Internet made the world more dangerous? How? Do cell phones and social media give us a false sense of security? How?

Have texting and social media damaged this generation’s ability to communicate in person?

Be sure to use sufficient examples and clear explanation to deliver your point.

2. Write a paper in which you discuss and analyze the ways in which digital access and social media have given us a sense of community, connection or “home.” Tell us how [not your personal story] but tell us how they have reinforced a sense of belonging in the world today, especially across cultures and locations.

Be sure to do the following:

Consider the way that social media has changed the way people interact. How can social networking often result in positive outcomes, some with long-term impactful consequences? How has social media influenced connection? How has it impacted our learning? Our ability to engage with others when face to face contact is difficult, whether because of distance or perhaps even because of anxiety issues. Consider how social media use has had a positive impact on careers, personal lives, confidence, etc. How has texting changed the way we communicate with one another?

Be sure to use sufficient examples and clear explanation to deliver your point.

3. Write a paper in which you discuss the role of social media AND technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. You should discuss whether they have been beneficial, destructive, or reconstructive. You can focus on more than one of these.

It goes without saying that for many, social media and technology were a lifeline whether for communication, education, or shopping for daily necessities. At the same time, we live in a time when technology and social media CAN be debilitating. Discuss. Think carefully and plan your details intentionally.

As with your topics above, be sure to use sufficient examples and clear explanation to deliver your point.

Choose to cite from any 3 of these 9 articles and also choose a different article outside of these 9 to include.

1. Americans’ Complicated Feelings About Social Media in an Era of Privacy Concerns Links to an external site.
2. New Research Study Shows That Social Media Privacy Might Not Be Possible
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2. New Research Study Shows That Social Media Privacy Might Not Be Possible Links to an external site.
3. We Want Privacy, but Can’t Stop Sharing
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3. We Want Privacy, but Can’t Stop Sharing Links to an external site.
4. Teens, Technology and Friendships
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4. Teens, Technology and Friendships Links to an external site.
5. Families Drawn Together By Communication Revolution
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5. Families Drawn Together By Communication Revolution Links to an external site.
6. Social Media Making Millennials Less Social
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6. Social Media Making Millennials Less Social Links to an external site.
7. Poll: Teens Say Social Media Makes Them Feel Better
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7. Poll: Teens Say Social Media Makes Them Feel Better Links to an external site.
8. The Virus Changed the Way We Internet
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8. The Virus Changed the Way We Internet
9. Teens’ Social Media Use is Up During Pandemic, and So Is Their Parents’ Concerns
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9. Teens’ Social Media Use is Up During Pandemic, and So Is Their Parents’ Concerns