announcement made by professor:
“1. Read the assignment page for the term paper, which also gives some suggestions for topics. If you have a question on topics or have one not specifically listed, drop me a note telling me about what you would like to write on. this is just to make sure the topic isn’t too complex and you cannot do a credible job in the length required which bring me to……….
2. Length: 2000 words, which translates into about 8-9 pages doubled spaced ☜ – really important. Lack of double spacing is a big point deduction. You can write more as I enjoy reading your papers, but less will result in point deductions.
3. Papers follow APA format per school requirement. See Library page if you need a refresher.
4. A paper of this length generally requires 5-7 references. Do not forget your complete citations page and to properly cite works in your writing. As per the syllabus you may use AI tools for reference but cite them properly. You may include pictures / graphs / drawings but they do not count as part of the length requirement.
5. Do not forget the page cover. ( see the description in the assignment)
6. Submit the paper on time. It is 25% of your grade and a penalty point deduction does a lot of damage to your overall class grade.
The term paper is an exercise in demonstrating your understanding of a chosen topic. It is not a deep dive into the topic, given its length and should not entail any moments of high anxiety on your part.”
no other information was provided by instructor.
i used chat got for a list of ideas for body paragraphs and info etc. i’ve listed here (you don’t have to use them i just thought it might help):
Utilization of Social Media as a News Source:
1. Accessibility and Convenience:
• Social media platforms offer unparalleled accessibility to news content, allowing Gen Z to stay informed with minimal effort.
• Studies have shown that the convenience of accessing news on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram significantly influences Gen Z’s news consumption habits (Smith & Anderson, 2018).
2. Filter Bubble and Echo Chambers:
• The algorithmic nature of social media feeds often creates filter bubbles, where users are exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences.
• Gen Z’s reliance on social media for news can result in echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and contributing to polarization (Pariser, 2011).
3. Trust and Credibility:
• Despite concerns about misinformation, Gen Z demonstrates varying levels of trust in news shared on social media platforms.
• Research suggests that Gen Z tends to trust news sources endorsed by their peers or influencers within their social networks (Newman et al., 2020).
4. Engagement and Interactivity:
• Social media platforms facilitate active engagement with news content through likes, comments, and shares, empowering Gen Z to participate in public discourse.
• The interactive nature of social media enhances Gen Z’s sense of agency and community involvement in news consumption (Chadwick & Vaccari, 2019).
5. Impact on Traditional Media:
• The rise of social media as a news source has disrupted traditional media outlets, prompting them to adapt their strategies to engage younger audiences.
• Traditional news organizations increasingly rely on social media platforms to reach Gen Z and compete for their attention in a crowded digital ecosystem (Pew Research Center, 2021).
Implications for Society:
1. Information Literacy:
• Gen Z’s reliance on social media for news highlights the importance of promoting information literacy skills to discern credible sources and combat misinformation.
• Educational initiatives and media literacy programs are essential to empower Gen Z with critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the digital information landscape (Livingstone & Third, 2017).
2. Political Participation:
• The influence of social media on Gen Z’s news consumption has significant implications for political engagement and civic participation.
• Social media platforms serve as catalysts for political mobilization and activism among Gen Z, shaping their attitudes and behaviors towards societal issues (Boulianne, 2019).
3. Media Diversity and Representation:
• Social media platforms offer opportunities for marginalized voices and underrepresented communities to amplify their narratives and challenge mainstream media narratives.
• Gen Z’s engagement with diverse content on social media contributes to greater media pluralism and representation, albeit with challenges related to algorithmic biases and content moderation (Gillespie, 2018).
