Social Networking

The internet, social networking sites, and associated technology (such as smart phones) are changing the way we think, act, and relate with one another in profound ways.  Not everyone agrees on whether or not this change is for the better.  In the last few weeks, we’ve read articles that discuss these changes from various perspectives, and you’ve examined your own relationship to technology as well.  Now it is your turn to join the discussion.  For rough drafts, simply submit what you have so far.

Prompt:
Imagine that your local School Board has received a generous grant that would pay for all elementary and middle school children to have their own iPhones or iPads, for academic and personal use.  The Board is trying to decide if this is in the best interest of the children.  In a 3-5 page letter to the Board, argue your position, considering the NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE aspects of social media, along with how technology today shapes our personal relationships.

Criteria for Success:
In addition to meeting the essay grading criteria described in your syllabus, a successful paper will:

Integrate readings into the text through quoting, paraphrasing, and other references (MUST USE A MINIMUM OF 3 CITATIONS FROM ASSIGNED READINGS/VIEWINGS).
Include works cited page for all outside sources.
Contain an effective thesis that conveys your main idea(s).
Include a thoughtful discussion about the effects, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE, of social media, on how we act and relate to our fellow human beings. Base your ideas on your experiences, your Internet Journal, ideas from the texts and your responses to them, and classroom discussion.
Contain well-coordinated sentences that demonstrate the relationship between ideas.
Be 3-5 typed pages, MLA-format (double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, stapled, with numbered pages).
Have a thoughtful title.