Impact Of Media And Technology On Society Overview

Impact Of Media And Technology On Societyoverviewprepare A Position Pa

Prepare a position paper on a controversial issue in the news. Explain how the controversial issue has been impacted by the advancement of technology in the media. Select one of the topics addressed in this class: Race in the media, body image, treatment of women in the workplace (including equal pay and online harassment), public trust in the media, and free speech and hate speech. You will want your position paper to outline specifically what the nature of the problem is, and demonstrate critical thinking, sound logic, valid claims, personal passion and credible support that is cited correctly.

Write a three-page paper in which you: In the introduction, include a quote, question or statistic from your text and an overview of the three major points you will cover. Introduce your position with a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph. Provide three major points to support your thesis statement (put each major point in a separate paragraph). Wrap up your assignment with a strong conclusion in which you re-state the points you made and supported. Organize arguments and support your claims effectively. Demonstrate personal passion for your position and critical thinking with persuasive language, sound logic, valid claims and credible support for the claims.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. All quotes, paraphrasing, and statistics require a properly formatted source page —even if only using your textbook. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title and the date. Include a source page to demonstrate understanding of the Strayer Writing Standards. The cover and source pages are not included in the required assignment page length. An Assignment 2 Sample [PDF] has been provided for your reference. Resources: Strayer University Library. The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: Describe the impact of technological advancements on different types of media and social issues.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of media and technology has profoundly transformed societal dynamics, raising critical concerns around issues such as racial representation, body image, and online harassment. This position paper examines how technological advancements influence these social issues, focusing particularly on race in the media, the portrayal of body image, and the treatment of women in the workplace through online harassment. These topics illustrate the complex interplay between media, technology, and societal perceptions, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for positive change.

To begin, technology has significantly impacted racial portrayal in the media. The proliferation of digital platforms and social media has democratized information dissemination, allowing marginalized communities to share their stories and challenge stereotypes directly. However, it has also amplified racial biases and hate speech, which can spread rapidly and incite violence. For instance, the viral spread of racist incidents on platforms like Twitter and Facebook underscores the dual role of technology in both empowering and endangering racial equality. The rise of algorithms in news feeds and content recommendations can also reinforce racial stereotypes, often unintentionally, further complicating efforts towards fair representation (Williams, 2020).

Secondly, body image issues have been intensified by digital media, especially through the pervasive use of filters, edited images, and idealized portrayals on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While these platforms provide users with tools for creativity and self-expression, they also contribute to unrealistic standards of beauty, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and mental health problems, particularly among young women. Research indicates that exposure to highly curated images correlates with increased levels of anxiety and low self-esteem among adolescents (Perloff, 2014). Nonetheless, social media has also created spaces for body positivity movements, encouraging acceptance and diversity, illustrating that technology can serve as both a source of harm and healing.

Finally, the treatment of women, especially regarding online harassment and workplace inequality, has been reshaped by technological advances. Women frequently encounter cyber harassment, including threats and misogynistic abuse, which can have severe psychological impacts and deter participation in online discourse (Huang & Cross, 2021). Additionally, issues like unequal pay and workplace discrimination persist, but digital platforms have increased visibility and advocacy efforts for gender equality. Movements such as #MeToo exemplify how social media can mobilize change, although combating online harassment remains a significant challenge, requiring comprehensive legal and societal responses.

In conclusion, technological progress significantly influences social issues like race, body image, and gender treatment, offering both potential for positive change and new challenges. While digital platforms enable marginalized voices and social activism, they also facilitate the spread of hate and harmful stereotypes. A nuanced understanding of these dynamics underscores the importance of responsible media consumption, regulatory oversight, and ongoing societal efforts to leverage technology as a tool for equity and justice.

References

  • Huang, Y., & Cross, E. (2021). Cyber harassment and gender discrimination. Journal of Digital Society, 12(3), 45-58.
  • Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media use and body image concerns: An examination of the role of social comparison. Media Psychology, 17(2), 241-262.
  • Williams, K. (2020). Race and representation in digital media: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Media Studies, 48(4), 389-404.