Sam Stone's Final Paper Outline Prompt 1 For The Average Use

Sam Stonelcsfinal Paper Outlineprompt1 With The Average User Spendin

Using one or more works from the class, consider what British literary texts might have to say about the alleged social media ‘crisis,’ including the potential dangers and benefits of social media. Explore how authors like Jane Austen or Elizabeth Bennet might perceive today’s social media landscape, particularly regarding the pursuit of public approval and social disconnection.

Support your analysis with insights from authors studied, such as William Wordsworth's use of poetry to combat loneliness, which can be related to contemporary users seeking outlets for solitude through social media. Evaluate the parallels between Wordsworth’s belief that poetry should be in the language of the “common man” and modern social media’s role in democratizing voice and information dissemination.

In addition, examine the negative impacts of social media—such as social disconnection, the spread of harmful opinions, and the influence of social norms—by referencing contemporary research and credible sources. Address how these issues reflect or contrast with themes from the selected literary works, providing a nuanced view of the modern social media crisis.

Paper For Above instruction

In the digital age, social media has profoundly transformed the fabric of society, influencing how individuals communicate, perceive themselves, and interact with the world around them. The average user spends nearly two hours daily on various platforms, a statistic that underscores social media’s pervasive reach. While it offers benefits like increased connectivity and the democratization of information, it also raises significant concerns about mental health, social cohesion, and societal values. By analyzing British literary works, particularly those from the Romantic era exemplified by William Wordsworth and the depiction of social manners in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we can gain insight into contemporary issues surrounding social media and its social implications.

William Wordsworth’s poetry, especially his “Preface to Lyrical Ballads,” emphasizes the importance of honest and accessible expression for the “common man.” Wordsworth believed that poetry should serve as a genuine voice for ordinary people, fostering connection and understanding. Today, social media functions similarly by providing platforms where individuals from diverse backgrounds can share thoughts, beliefs, and experiences without strict filters. This democratization of speech aligns with Wordsworth’s vision; however, the scale and nature of this sharing often deviate from poetic sincerity and instead result in echo chambers, misinformation, and superficial engagement.

While social media has facilitated unprecedented freedom of expression, it also exposes users to risks like social disconnection, where online interactions replace meaningful face-to-face relationships, echoing concerns expressed implicitly in Austen’s depiction of social manners and approval. Jane Austen, particularly through Elizabeth Bennet’s character, explores the dangers of seeking external validation and the superficiality of societal approval. In Austen’s world, reputation and approval are vital, yet they often lead characters to conceal true selves or succumb to societal pressures. Applying this perspective to the online realm, one could argue that the pursuit of ‘likes’ and approval on social media mirrors Austen’s critique of social superficiality—reducing genuine identity to curated representations aimed at garnering approval.

Empirical research supports these literary insights, demonstrating that excessive social media use correlates with increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and decreased social well-being. A comprehensive study by Keles et al. (2020) highlights that social comparison and cyberbullying further exacerbate negative emotional outcomes. These findings echo Romantic-era notions of solitude, as Wordsworth used his poetry to address loneliness and inner reflection. In contrast, social media often fosters superficial connections that can intensify feelings of alienation, despite offering the illusion of connectivity.

The dangers extend beyond individual mental health. The unchecked spread of misinformation and radicalization facilitated by social media platforms pose broader societal risks. Terrorist organizations and extremist groups exploit these digital spaces to disseminate propaganda, endangering public safety. This phenomenon starkly contrasts with literary works that emphasize moral and social responsibility. Austen’s novels, for instance, advocate understanding and moral virtue, qualities often diminished in the online age by anonymity and lack of accountability.

Nevertheless, social media also possesses notable benefits. It empowers marginalized voices, enabling social movements and fostering global awareness. Wordsworth’s emphasis on accessible language aligns with the vernacular tone of social media posts, which aim to reach and resonate with the broadest audience possible. The accessibility and immediacy of these platforms fulfill Wordsworth’s vision of and desire for poetry—here, a metaphor for honest, direct communication.

In conclusion, the insights from British literature, especially the Romantic emphasis on authentic expression and Austen’s critique of societal superficiality, provide a nuanced perspective on social media’s complex role in contemporary society. While it democratizes speech and fosters community, it also risks superficiality, social disconnection, and societal harm. Recognizing these dualities is essential for developing responsible engagement with social media that harnesses its benefits while mitigating its risks.

References

• Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93.
• Wordsworth, W. (1800). Preface to Lyrical Ballads. In Lyrical Ballads, by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, edited by John S. Barnard, 43-65. Routledge, 2005.
• Austen, J. (1813). Pride and Prejudice. Norton Critical Edition, Third Edition, 2002.
• Fuchs, C. (2017). Social Media: A Critical Introduction. Sage.
• Marwick, A. (2013). Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity, and Branding in the Social Age. Yale University Press.
• boyd, d. (2014). It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. Yale University Press.
• Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.
• Harlow, B. (2020). Social Media and Society: An Introduction to the Social Impacts of Digital Technologies. Routledge.
• Van Dijck, J. (2013). The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical History of Social Media. Oxford University Press.
• Gray, J. (2019). Object-Oriented Social Media. A dissertation exploring social media as a literary and social phenomenon.