NOTE:
Remember to use The Student Learning Center to get feedback on your paper so you can make revisions before submitting it to me.
TIPS:
Decide if your argument is going to be inductive or deductive.
Your argument should be logical: your persuasive emphasis is logos.
Follow the Toulmin model of argument: 1) state your claim (thesis statement–first paragraph), 2) back up your claim with evidence (topic sentences and support–body of paper), and 3) conclude with your warrant (conclusion).
Remember to avoid fallacies and loaded language.
Adhere to MLA requirements.
Attachments
The Facebook Dilemma, Part One (full documentary) | FRONTLINE
The Facebook Dilemma, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE
Should (Can) Fake News Be Regulated?
Links to an external site.
This citation generator will help you to format your additional two sources in MLA style: CITATION GENERATORLinks to an external site.
Research Assignment
Social Media – Boon or Bane?
We often use various social media platforms to engage with others in various ways. In fact, for many, this is the primary way in which we communicate. The effects of this evolving method of communication are still being studied, but it is an accepted fact that social media affects users in a number of ways, both positive and negative. For example, while it may boost our mental health by bringing family and friends who reside far apart closer together, it is also thought to be responsible for negatively affecting users’ mental health, causing depression and suicide, as bullying has been one major concern on social media. These are some of the effects of social media on the individual, but what about the effects of social media on society? This assignment focuses on the effects of social media on society—on the global effects.
Read the attached article, “Should (Can) Fake News Be Regulated,” and view the two videos, The Facebook Dilemma, Parts 1 and 2 in answering the question: Social Media–Boon or Bane?
Objective
This assignment aims to develop your ability to create, analyze, and evaluate arguments. You will be exploring the multifaceted topic of social media, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages at the societal level. We are not examining the effects of social media on the individual level.
Assignment Details
Understanding Social Media: Begin your paper by briefly explaining what social media is and its role in contemporary society.
Societal Impact: Investigate the implications of social media on society as a whole. Focus on privacy issues and misinformation.
Argument Evaluation: Read the attached article and videos, “Should (Can) Fake News Be Regulated” and The Facebook Dilemma, Parts 1 and 2 in answering the question: Social Media–Boon or Bane? Summarize the main points and evaluate the strength of its argument.
Formulating Your Argument: Based on the readings, videos, and your research, formulate your argument about whether the benefits of social media outweigh its pitfalls or vice versa. Be sure to provide clear reasons and evidence to support your claims, and avoid using fallacies.
Instructions
This is a short paper, so focus! Your paper should be 3-4 pages in length, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, using 12-point Times New Roman font.
You MUST use the 3 sources given, and you must find two more sources to support your argument. These sources can be academic articles, books, reputable news articles, or reports from government or non-profit organizations. You must find two more sources of your own. Therefore, you must have 5 sources in all on your works cited page.
Organize your paper with an introduction, body paragraphs (with clear topic sentences), and a conclusion.
Citations and works cited should follow the MLA citation style (Use the citation generator attached above).
Proofread your work for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.
This assignment is to be completed individually. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Submission
Submit your assignment as a Word document or PDF via Canvas.
Late submissions are not accepted.
Grading Criteria
Your assignment will be assessed on the following:
Comprehension of the topic and depth of research
Clarity and organization of the argument
Ability to evaluate an existing argument
Strength and persuasiveness of your own argument
Proper citation and presentation of your paper.
