For This Paper You Will Be Expected To Plan And Write A Resp

For This Paper You Will Be Expected To Plan And Write A Response To O

For this paper, you will be expected to plan and write a response to one of the readings from this module using one of the prompts below. You should submit this paper via Turnitin. Before you begin, you should view the Essay Rubric in the Course Resources section. The goal of this class is to teach college-level writing conventions, which may require some students to move beyond previously taught writing models, like the 5-paragraph essay format. There are many significant weaknesses to this model and it is not adequate at this level.

Some aspects of this formula should be particularly noted. It is not desirable to have a thesis statement that presents the ideas of your body paragraphs. This "A + B + C" thesis always sounds forced and is overly simplistic. It also contributes to the next major issue, which is a lack of real transitions between body paragraphs. Your body paragraphs need to have clear relationships between them--in the 5-paragraph model, this is usually not the case, but instead the paragraphs read more like a list.

You can often see this in the choice of transition words--"First, Second, and Finally". There is no relationship here but the order in which they come. The final major issue with the 5-paragraph model is the summary conclusion. The conclusion is a vital space that can engage the reader in new and unique ways. By simply summarizing points from your essay or restating the thesis, you will disengage the reader's attention and add nothing to your paper.

There is no one, single way to approach a paper, or one size or shape. Therefore we are not looking for a particular number of paragraphs (although to prepare you for the exit essay, you should have at least 5) or a particular word count. If you look at the rubric, you will see what we want. First, you should have a strong introduction, which introduces the topic and identifies the paper's direction. Next, there should be quality support, which offers specific details that are well organized and thoughtful.

Finally, you will need a conclusion that challenges the reader and adds to the paper. This should be done with clear and concise writing. Think outside of formulas and focus on being as effective as you can be. Please choose a prompt from the following sources. Take careful note of what the prompt is asking, and be sure that you are directly addressing the question at hand.

Paper For Above instruction

The prompt focuses on a specific statement made by Winfrey in the article "DNT TXT N DRV" where she claims, "All we have to do is hang up or switch off. It really is that simple." This statement suggests that a person can easily avoid distractions or potential dangers by simply disconnecting from their mobile device. While at face value, her assertion appears straightforward and feasible, the reality of implementing such an action is nuanced and complex, especially in today’s interconnected world.

Winfrey’s assertion simplifies the act of disengaging from digital devices, implying that the solution to distractions, particularly those caused by technology, is as simple as turning off or hanging up. This perspective might be rooted in the idea that individuals have control over their choice to disconnect and that such an action can effectively eliminate the risk of being distracted or involved in accidents caused by phone usage while driving. However, this overlooks some deeper psychological and social factors that influence human behavior. For instance, many people have developed a dependence on their devices, experiencing anxiety or discomfort when disconnected, a phenomenon known as “nomophobia” (Yildirim & Correia, 2015). This dependence makes it challenging to simply switch off and truly disconnect without significant effort or support system.

Furthermore, the social environment plays a crucial role in shaping behavior. In the context of driving, many individuals are engaged with their devices because of social pressures, work obligations, or even habit formation. Asking someone to simply hang up or switch off their phone ignores these underlying motivations and the social context that encourages constant connectivity (Przybylski & Weinstein, 2017). Additionally, in emergency or urgent situations, people may feel compelled to keep their devices on and accessible, which complicates Winfrey’s suggestion of simplicity. The complexity is compounded by the fact that mobile devices serve multiple functions—navigation, communication, entertainment, and even health monitoring—making turning off a device less straightforward than it initially appears.

While Winfrey’s proposition appeals to the ideal of easy control over technology, practical barriers must be considered. Modern technology design, notification systems, and social expectations reinforce the habit of constant connectivity, often leading to compulsive device checking (Baumer et al., 2014). Overcoming this ingrained behavior requires more than simply turning off a device; it necessitates systemic behavioral change supported by education, technological solutions like “do not disturb” modes, and cultural shifts toward healthier digital habits. These elements highlight that the task is not as simple as flipping a switch.

Moreover, the reliance on digital devices is embedded in many aspects of daily life, from academic work to social interactions. The shift toward remote work and online learning has made smartphones and tablets indispensable for many people, further complicating the act of disengagement. For many, the act of “switching off” can lead to feelings of social disconnection or missing out, which acts as an internal barrier to implementing her advice (Montag et al., 2019). Therefore, the simplicity of her statement diminishes when considering the emotional, social, and psychological factors involved in disconnecting from technology.

In conclusion, while Winfrey’s statement that "all we have to do is hang up or switch off" might resonate as a straightforward solution to avoid distractions or dangers associated with mobile device usage, the reality is far more complex. Psychological dependencies, social influences, technological design, and the integral role of devices in modern life all contribute to significant barriers that make this action less simple in practice. Effective solutions require a multifaceted approach, including behavioral change strategies, technological innovations, and cultural shifts. Recognizing these nuances is crucial for understanding why disconnecting is not as easy as flipping a switch and for developing more effective interventions to promote safer and healthier digital habits.

References

  • Baumer, E. P., Gergle, D., & Miller, R. C. (2014). Using design patterns to support social interactions on Facebook: The influence of notifications on social behaviors. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 19(1), 31–45.
  • Montag, C., Becker, B., & Landvogt, C. (2019). Addiction and personality: How do digital media influence mental health? Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(4), 20.
  • Przybylski, A. K., & Weinstein, N. (2017). A large-scale test of the Goldilocks hypothesis: Quantifying the relations between digital-screen use and the mental well-being of adolescents. Psychological Science, 28(2), 204–215.
  • Yildirim, C., & Correia, A. P. (2015). Exploring the dimensions of nomophobia: Development and validation of a self-report measure. Computers in Human Behavior, 49, 130–137.