Revised Defense Paper
Content
Jarrett
1
Adele Jarrett
Ms. Caruso
UWRT 1103
November 17, 2015 17 November 2015
Comment [JA1]: Correct
MLA
date
format
Social Media
Social media plays a major role in the human daily practices now more than ever. The
majority of people now receive their day to day news via social media, interact through social
media platforms, and enact change through the fast spread of information. The use of social
media contains various positive aspects yet there are various negative aspects as well. Taking
Comment [JA2]: Looking
back,
I
realized
how
these
three
sentences
acted
as
a
filler
that
does
not
convey
information.
both sides into account draws an intriguing argument that is worth discussing.
Society is heavily
Comment [JA3]: I
felt
that
I
should
remove
this
sentence
since
the
discussion
will
happen
throughout
the
paper.
reliant on social media’s use, all coming with it’s own set of positive and negative attributes.
Comment [JA4]: Taking
feedback
of
these
statements
being
filler
into
consideration,
I
aimed
to
convey
my
points
into
a
concise
statement
that
has
something
to
say.
After conducting a great deal of research it is easy to see that social media is secretly damaging
today’s society. Although it has technologically advanced society and has made certain aspects
of life much more simple, simple is not always better. Through the fast spread of information
comes false information. Additionally, being connected at all times makes it easy to be distracted
in classroom settings, thus making learning even more challenging (Bellur et al par 6). It is even
changing how we view our relationships with society and others, and it is destroying face to face
communication.
Social media provides quick and easy access for groups and individuals to become
informed and updated on current events. It also provides society an efficient platform to express
their thoughts, ideas and opinions that they see as true. However, the ability to spread false
information is faster and easier as well. Yet, there are those that argue that the false information
found on social media is relatively insignificant as opposed to major world issues. An online
Jarrett
2
scholarly article In Leticia Bode’s article, (title) she goes against this argument stating that,
“social media propagates unconfirmed or untrue information upon which people rely in a crisis
situation” (Keim & Noji as qtd. Bode par. 1). Additionally, To further her point, Bode quotes
numerous authors who advocate that, “research on misinformation has resulted in several clear
takeaways. Citizens are misinformed about foreign policy (Gershkoff & Kushner, 2005),
domestic policy (Jerit & Barabas, 2012), and scientific policies (Leiserowitz, Maibach, RoserRenouf, & Hmielowski, 2011)” (Bode et al par. 6). To side with Bode’s first statement would be
Comment [JA5]: Throughout
this
paper
I
noticed
a
common
theme
when
addressing
my
sources.
The
preface
to
the
quotes
seemed
wordy
so
I
aimed
to
make
my
language
more
concise
and
have
more
of
a
continuous
flow.
The
rest
of
the
paper
will
have
similar
changes
when
introducing
an
article.
Comment [JA6]: I
realized
it
could
be
confusing
for
a
reader
to
understand
that
this
quote
was
taken
from
the
same
article
so
I
felt
that
adding
“To
further
her
point,
Bode…”
helps
the
readers
see
the
following
quote
came
from
the
same
article.
It
also
could
be
confusing
to
see
the
multiple
authors
credited
in
this
quote.
Therefore,
I
made
sure
to
make
it
clear
that
author
Bode
was
quoting
in
her
own
article.
biased without her follow-up statement. This is because the follow-up statement in Bode’s article
derives from facts found through research instead of mere opinion. Nevertheless, arguments on
this subject continue. In fact, they even expand within the same article, “given its daily presence
in many users' lives, social media may also offer an opportunity to combat misinformation”
(Bode et al par. 2). Looking at this objectively, the spread of false information is equivalent to
spreading rumors. This act can take a toll on personal life as well, with social media influencing
different aspects of people’s lives. Moreover, the rate of suicide has increased due to cyberbullying, a product of social change.
Many individuals in society use social media as a tool to express their ideas, beliefs,
Comment [JA7]: This
sentence
was
intended
to
preface
my
next
point
on
social
change,
but
felt
out
of
place.
This
is
why
I
completely
took
out
this
sentence
and
ended
the
paragraph
with
the
sentence
before
it.
opinions and experiences. However, this beautiful tool can be harmful depending on it’s user.
The act of bullying has always existed but social media has increased this act, known as cyberbullying. According to author Krystine Batcho, not only has the web increased bullying but it,
“takes place in a more extreme way over social media because the authors feel no responsibility”
(qtd. in Graham par. 5). A scholarly article written by Rina Bonanno In Rina Bonanno’s article
she expands upon Batcho’s claim when she says that, “perpetrators of cyber bullying enjoy a
degree of anonymity and invisibility that is not always possible with more traditional or face-to-
Comment [JA8]: Once
again,
eliminating
the
use
of
“a
scholarly
article”
when
referring
to
sources.
This
new
introduction
of
the
article
helps
the
sentence
flow
better
overall.
Jarrett
3
face forms of bullying, and which also can make them less aware of the impact of their behavior
on victims” (Bonanno par. 7). Bonanno also shows the relationship in the links between victims
of cyber bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation. Research proves that victims of cyber
bullying are most likely to become depressed and have suicidal thoughts more so than victims of
traditional bullying (Bonanno par. 1). However, there are many that use the beauty of social
media for the greater good. For example, many strive to put an end to all forms of bullying.
Hyesun Hwang, author of a scholarly article Social Media As a Tool for Social Movements says
Comment [JA9]: I
added
the
name
of
this
author’s
article
instead
of
using
“a
scholarly
article”.
that, “social movements can be efficient and effective via social media in two respects. First,
social media users may contribute to globalized social movements by conveying messages to a
broad audience. Second, social media empower users to generate messages that urge new
activations” (Hwang par. 16). For example, think back to summer’s 2014 phenomenon, the ALS
ice bucket challenge. Hundreds of millions of ice dumping videos were posted on Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and other sites to raise awareness for those suffering from ALS. It is obvious
that social media allows more people to participate in social movements now than ever before,
but I questioned the importance in the number of participants in social movements. Reading
further in Hwang’s article, critics bring attention to the fact that, “through social media people
may join social movements without substantial commitment and thereby remain passive users
rather than active members (Earl and Schussman, 2003; Van Laer and Van Aelst, 2010)”
(Hwang par. 18). It is easy to side with these critics considering the importance of quality over
quantity. Putting yourself in a social media user’s shoes, it is easy to see why they want to get on
board with a good cause. With that being said, there are many external distractions that come
with social media, which may explain the lack of commitment. These traits are displayed through
students and their various interests more than ever before.
Comment [JA10]: I
added
this
example
so
the
readers
can
have
a
better
understanding
of
the
idea
being
discussed.
This
example
also
provides
valuable
information
while
allowing
readers
to
connect
better
with
my
writing.
Thus,
keeping
them
interested.
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4
While many argue that social media enhances student’s learning, others argue that social
media diminishes it. Beginning with the latter, students grade point averages are decreasing due
to the multiple distractions of social media. When multiple distractions are going on in the
classroom, a student’s focus is shifting back and forth. This act requires them to learn the
material outside of the classroom independently, thus making it hard for students to maintain
their grades (Bellur par. 7). Yet social media continues to distract students outside of the
classroom. Results from a non-scholarly source Results from an independent study suggest that,
“students who use social media had an average GPA of 3.06 while non-users had an average
GPA of 3.82” (Pro & Con Arguments sec. 3). However, author Elizabeth Heatley views the use
of social media in classroom settings to be extremely beneficial. In her scholarly article, Heatley
suggests that sites such as Facebook levels out the classroom stating, “students who require more
time to process ideas or formulate thoughtful responses have equal access to online forum
discussions, while face-to-face discussions reward quick thinkers and strong verbal processors”
(Heatley sec. 1). Also, social media is a great tool for students who are timid and scared to speak
out in class because some teachers use Twitter during class time so these students can tweet their
thoughts or opinions on certain subjects (Heatley sec. 2). Although Heatley makes strong and
valid points, it is hard to ignore the question whether it is okay for teachers to make school easier
for these shy students or if they should help students overcome their fears. Social media allows
individuals to escape face-to-face interactions, which does not address these students’ needs to
function in real world settings. Furthermore, social media may be one of the sole reasons for the
loss of social skills seen in today’s society.
For today’s younger generation, social media is the preferred mode of communication.
Today’s technology allows society to stay connected with the world around them at all times, but
Comment [JA11]: Another
example
where
I
avoided
making
this
same
repetitive
mistake.
After
making
these
changes
various
times,
I
now
see
how
much
this
helped
the
strength
of
my
writing.
Jarrett
5
at the same time it allows people to escape reality – thus creating a disconnection. However, in
his article, Enabling Community Through Social Media, author Gruzd argues the opposite. He
starts off by stating that one of the main advantages of interacting online is, “that the focus is on
Comment [JA12]: I
made
no
changes
to
this
one
because
I
felt
that
it
had
a
different
approach
than
the
other
source
transitions
that
needed
to
be
fixed.
what people do with each other rather than the medium or face-to-face context through which
they do it” (Gruzd par. 6). He then explains how it builds support systems for individuals and
helps them stay connected and up to date with their friends and relatives. It also helps them meet
new people that have similar interests (Gruzd par. 6). Another scholarly article remains Another
article I consulted remained supportive of online interactions, but says that it helps them said it
Comment [JA13]: Replacement
of
“another
scholarly
article
remains”
helped them stay connected with those they already know, not strangers (Hottell sec. 5).
Comment [JA14]: Because
of
the
previous
change
above,
I
made
this
revision
in
order
to
maintain
the
past
tense
being
used.
Although it is hard to side with either source, it most certainly makes more sense to side with the
latter. This is because individuals are able to provide completely false or exaggerated
information/pictures on social media that lead people to believe they are someone much different
than who they are in reality (Dalton par. 7). Expanding on this idea, I chose to create a product
that tackles I began to brainstorm ways in which I could tackle this subject with the appropriate
audience – social media users.
^
There is a clear disconnect between the lives people portray online and the lives they live
in reality. For my product, I created two Instagram accounts, one titled “The Real Me” and the
other one titled, “The Instagram Me”. I aimed to highlight the juxtapositions between these two
ideas of what people post or express on social media versus what really happens or how they
truly feel in reality. I used old pictures while also taking news ones to portray real life examples
that occur on social media sites. To exemplify the way people’s relationships in today’s society
consists of making the relationship look a certain way via social media, I posted a picture on
Comment [JA15]: This
new
sentence
provides
a
better
conclusion
of
this
paragraph
while
also
leading
into
the
next
paragraph
which
will
discuss
the
creation
of
my
product
without
referring
to
it
as
“my
product”.
Referring
to
my
product
as
“my
product”
in
my
paper
is
a
bit
confusing
for
readers
outside
of
this
class
who
are
unaware
that
I
was
required
to
make
a
product
along
with
this
paper.
Comment [JA16]: Separation
of
these
two
paragraphs
that
had
been
together
into
one
long
paragraph.
The
product
paragraph
needed
to
be
by
itself
in
order
to
show
my
product’s
significance.
Jarrett
6
“The Instagram Me” account of my friends and me about to go out together and have a great
time. Then, on “The Real Me” account I posted a picture of what was really going on in the
moment. All three of us were sitting in the same room together with our eyes glued to our phones
and absolutely no interaction between one another. We were more concerned about getting a
picture of what looked like fun to everyone else rather than having fun ourselves. Social media is
addictive and is commonly the first thing people look at before getting out of bed each morning.
Society has become so obsessed with viewing other people’s seemingly adventurous/perfect
lives and relationships that they are unable to enjoy their own. This leads individuals to become
insecure and feel as though their life does not compare to the ones they see on the web. In order
to support these statements, pastor Steven Furtick quotes that “the reason we struggle with
insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel”
(Furtick).
However, many social media users seem to be unaware of this when they scroll through their
newsfeed. Due to this unawareness, individual’s self esteems begin to deteriorate as shown in the
following study, “in 2012 a team of researchers in the UK surveyed users, 53% of whom said
social media had changed their behavior; 51% said it was negative behavior because of decline
in confidence they felt” (Probst sec. 2). Steven Furtick explains the reason behind the decline in
confidence stating, “the reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behindthe-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel” (Furtick). I wanted to get this message out to
social media users, which led me to create two Instagram accounts. The name on the first
account is, “The Social Media Me” while the other is named, “The Real Me”. In these accounts I
aimed to highlight the juxtapositions between what society posts on social media, versus what
they actually feel and do in real life. Furthermore, I exemplified an exaggerated lifestyle filled
Comment [JA17]: I
did
not
like
this
paragraph
discussing
my
product
at
all
which
is
why
I
completely
started
over.
I
gave
too
much
detail
and
not
enough
meaning.
Therefore,
I
took
out
the
specific
long
examples
and
made
it
much
more
concise.
I
gave
broad
examples
so
that
my
readers
could
visualize
what
the
two
accounts
consisted
of
while
I
also
showed
the
intended
message
and
purpose
behind
these
accounts.
The
paragraph
was
also
a
bit
confusing
before
I
made
certain
revisions.
With
these
changes,
such
as
the
way
I
introduced
my
product
without
calling
it
by
that
name,
all
of
my
readers
are
now
able
to
comprehend
with
ease.
Jarrett
7
with happiness, friends, parties, and adventurous on “The Social Media Me” account. Then, on
“The Real Me” account, I portrayed a more accurate, transparent life, consisting of loneliness
and depression. Society has become obsessed with viewing other’s seemingly perfect lives, in
addition to making everyone else believe their life is just as perfect. This deception has led to the
inability to live in the moment and enjoy a non-virtual life. My hope is that we, as a society, can
put an end to these issues; but in order to do so, they must be addressed. If they are addressed,
people will be able to realize their problems within their own lives, instead of pretending
everything is perfect. Needless to say, this is why I felt it was important to show and address this
issue through creating my two Instagram accounts.
While social media has advanced society by allowing us to seamlessly connect with
Comment [JA18]: This
is
the
new
paragraph.
This
first
sentence
here
follows
behind
the
opening
sentence,
“there
nd
is
a
clear
disconnect…”
which
then
makes
this
the
2
sentence
of
the
product
paragraph.
others across the globe, as well as providing a level of convenience in our lives, it still creates
more harm than good causes greater harm than good. With all factors considered, social media
leads to the spread of false information, perpetuates social change – sometimes for the worse as
evident in bullying, distractions in classroom settings, and the deterioration of social skills, self
esteems and relationships. It should be the goal of society to channel social media’s positives,
while not getting too attached. In doing so, our social skills will enhance, we will have more
meaningful real life relationships rather than virtual ones, and we will begin to enjoy life by
living in the moment.
Comment [JA19]: I
felt
that
this
way
of
making
the
statement
was
better
sounding.
Jarrett
8
Works Cited
Original
"A Quote by Steven Furtick." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
Graham, Regina F. "Psychologist: Social Media Causing A 'Distancing Phenomena' To Take
Place." CBS DC. N.p., 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
"Pro & Con Arguments: "Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?"" ProConorg
Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Probst, Caitlin. "10 Ways Social Media Affects Mental Health." Degreed Atom. N.p., 29 Apr.
2015. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
New
Comment [JA20]: In
the
paragraph
discussing
my
product,
I
added
a
quote
from
the
previous
paper.
Therefore,
I
needed
to
add
it
in
the
citation.
Bellur, Saraswathi, Kristine L. Nowak, and Kyle S. Hull. "Make It Our Time: in Class
Multitaskers Have Lower Academic Performance." Computers in Human Behavior. 53
(2015). Print.
Comment [JA21]: Journal
titles
must
be
italicized
which
I
was
unaware
of
having
to
do
before
getting
feedback.
The
following
are
italicized
as
well.
Bode, Leticia, and Emily K. Vraga. "In Related News, That Was Wrong: the Correction of
Misinformation Through Related Stories Functionality in Social Media." Journal of
Communication. 65.4 (2015): 619-638. Print.
Comment [JA22]: Italicize.
Jarrett
9
Bonanno, Rina A, and Shelley Hymel. "Cyber Bullying and Internalizing Difficulties: Above and
Beyond the Impact of Traditional Forms of Bullying." Journal of Youth and Adolescence
: a Multidisciplinary Research Publication. 42.5 (2013): 685-697. Print.
Comment [JA23]: Italicize.
Dalton, Jon C, and Pamela C. Crosby. "Digital Identity: How Social Media Are Influencing
Student Learning and Development in College." Journal of College and Character. 14.1
Comment [JA24]: Italicize.
(2013): 1-4. Print.
Gruzd, Anatoliy, and Caroline Haythornthwaite. "Enabling Community Through Social Media."
Journal of Medical Internet Research. 15.10 (2013). Print.
Comment [JA25]: Italicize.
Heatley, Elizabeth R., and Talana R. Lattimer. "Using Social Media To Enhance Student
Learning." Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers 88.1 (2013): 8-9. Education
Research Complete. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
Comment [JA26]: Italicize.
Hottell, Derek L, Ana M. Martinez-Aleman, and Heather T. Rowan-Kenyon. "Summer Bridge
Program 2.0: Using Social Media to Develop Students' Campus Capital." Change: the
Magazine of Higher Learning. 46.5 (2014): 34-38. Print.
Comment [JA27]: Italicize.
Hwang, Hyesun, and Kee-Ok Kim. "Social Media As a Tool for Social Movements: the Effect of
Social Media Use and Social Capital on Intention to Participate in Social Movements."
International Journal of Consumer Studies. 39.5 (2015): 478-488. Print.
Comment [JA28]: Italicize.
