3. Research Paper

For my research paper, I am going to write about the effects of social media on modern social life.  My audience is first world populations that frequently use social media outlets to inform, entertain and maintain contact with their social structures.

The audience I am approaching is generally rejecting the idea that social media has negative effects on how well informed they are, as well as the social structures that they participate in. This is largely due to the prevalence they perceive in the use of the social media platforms they enjoy. This is enhanced by the fact that often those who utilize these medias create so-called echo chambers by only consuming social media that agrees with or appeals to them.

The audience who uses the social media often values the appearance of being informed and well-connected. Not only do they consume media produced by others, but they often create media with the aim to increase their social status among their peers. Thus we can understand that they are concerned most to maintain themselves within the social norms promoted by society within the social media services they participate in.

Many of the things that the consumers of social media fear most is being left out. This includes being left out of social norms, being left out of popular entertainment and not know what their" friends" are doing currently. This leads to an almost compulsive use of social media to satisfy the instant desire of being not only entertained but "informed" about the occurrence.

Some of the counter arguments they might purpose include that only an informed person can actively participate in society. They may also claim that this is the best way to build large social circles that are often needed to in today's world. However, these ideas are built upon the false assumption that the information found is true and connections made are beneficial.