The Social Media Addiction Equation There are those who believe that technology—

The Social Media Addiction Equation
There are those who believe that technology—the Internet, cell phones, social media, etc.—will be the test of the modern world, and that in this new opportunity we will discover a “new and unbearable disturbance of peace, or a saving radiance in the sky,” as American writer E.B. White wrote of television.
The average 16-24-year-old spends roughly three hours a day on social media. Some might consider this as falling into the category of an addiction, and that we become so overwhelmed with information and sensory imagery that we, in effect, shut down from sensory overload and fall into a catatonic state where we become indifferent to everyone and everything around us. Take this concept one step further, is it possible that social media has become like a drug addict’s hypodermic needle—message form media get “injected” into our systems, and we become powerless to resist its influence?
Some research believe that Americans—and in particular the younger generation—are so “hooked” on social media that they fit the criteria for substance abuse as defined in the official psychiatric manual. Consider just a few of the “dependency” symptoms:
Indiscriminate preoccupation with social media
Use of social media induces positive and/or negative mood changes
An increase of social media over time
Interpersonal conflict due to excessive social media use
Feelings of “withdrawal” when kept from using social media
For this particular assignment, you will make an argument that either supports the idea that social media is addictive, or not. Like with all essays in the class, you will investigate this controversial topic by collecting, generating, and evaluating evidence to support your position. Argumentative essays generally call for extensive research of previously published material. This allows students to learn about one particular topic from multiple points of view. And, of course, argumentative essays must always establish a clear thesis and follow sound logic and reasoning.
Your argument should be based on your summary, analysis, and evaluation of the research. You must evaluate the arguments from your research. In addition, you must support your position with at least five (5) sources—at least one of which must be a scholarly source.
Between the time when you write this argumentative essay and the time when it’s due, you will have had a chance to continue researching and reading about your topic; therefore, significant revision and expansion of your essay is required for a superior grade on this assignment.
Due this Sunday is a fully-completed rough draft to this assignment.
Argumentative Essay Requirements:
1,800-2,000 words and a Works Cited page
Presents a compelling and persuasive argument
Formulates a specific, focused, and complex thesis statement
Supports the argument with compelling topic sentences, followed by detailed and perceptive analysis of evidence
Offers arguments and counterarguments
Smoothly frames quotations and uses appropriate paraphrasing
Structures the essay in unified paragraphs
Uses effective transitions to move from paragraph to paragraph
Develops a reasonable conclusion that provides a satisfying closure for the essay
Displays an ability to use dynamic sentences and precise words, avoiding errors in grammar, punctuation, and language
Graphic Evidence Requirement*
MLA Format
Failure to turn in drafts as requested will result in a lower grade on the essay
*Graphic Evidence Requirement: Somewhere in the essay, include at least one graphic illustration that provides appropriate evidence for the point you are developing. This graphic evidence can be original or cited from a source. Make sure that the graphic is treated like any other borrowed evidence.
Research / MLA Requirements
Get the best quality research you can, as your grade will depend on it. Make sure your research is credible. Use approximately 30% research in your essay, about one source per writing page, although you may balance your research in any way you deem most effective. Cite all your sources—ideas, numbers, words, summaries, paraphrases, quotes—both within the essay (in-text citations) and on a Works Cited page.
Note: Do not use dictionaries or Wikipedia
View Rubric
Essay Assignment (rubric-200)
Essay Assignment (rubric-200)
CriteriaRatingsPts
Introduction (40)view longer description
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
/ 40 pts
Thesis / Topic Sentences (40)
view longer description
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
/ 40 pts
Research & Analysis (40)
view longer description
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
/ 40 pts
Organization, Language, Style (40)
view longer description
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
/ 40 pts
MLA Formatting (40)
view longer description
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
/ 40 pts
Total Points: 0