Texts for Essay #3
1-2 Primary and 1-2 Secondary Sources:
Choose ONE of the following shows/films:
1. The Social Network - 2010
2. Black Mirror: Nosedive - 2016
3. Ingrid Goes West - 2017
OPTIONAL Primary Source
1. Technolonely: Is Technology Curing Loneliness Or Causing It? - Sanat Rao
a. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2021/09/16/t echnolonely-is-technology-curing-loneliness-or-causing-it/
Writing Expectations: This is the first of two research papers you will be writing. This essay is asking you to take a position on the question posed in the writing prompt. You are being asked to develop and support your position through an analysis of the film/show you choose as well as through information and arguments from 2-3 secondary sources of your choosing. The goal is for you to learn to identify, evaluate, and synthesize sources that can be used to inform, build, and support your perspective on a work or theme.
Writing Prompt: "The Social Network," "Nosedive," and "Ingrid Goes West" all explore how we relate to social media. "The Social Network" focuses on Mark Zuckerberg’s (fictional) motivations for starting Facebook as well as how he relates to the people in his life. "Nosedive" considers a hypothetical future where social media presence becomes a form of credit score which determines the quality of the characters lives. "Ingrid Goes West" examines the main character’s parasocial relationship she develops with someone she follows on Instagram. While fictional, these films/show touch on different aspects of how we as society relate positively and negatively to social media and the successes and failures of our attempts to seek connection with each other in the real world.
In Sanat Rao’s essay on technology, he asks the question: “Is technology curing loneliness or causing it?” In your essay, take a position in answering this question. Develop and support your position through an analysis of the film/show you choose as well as through information and arguments from 2-3 secondary sources of your choosing.
Try:
Social media connectedness
Social media depression
Social media isolation