English 112 Blog 1an Issue Question And Working Thesis Statementafter ✓ Solved

English 112 Blog 1 An Issue Question and Working Thesis Statement After reading chapter three of Writing Arguments, you are now ready to consider the rhetorical triangle as you compose an argument with supporting reasons. The purpose of this assignment is to take a step in thinking through an argument you would like to make and anticipate the opposing viewpoints as you consider your message, audience, and speaker. For this first blog assignment, your task will be to consider a possible topic you might wish to pursue in a classical argument, generate a working thesis statement, and list possible reasons you would use to support your thesis statement. The challenge here is to choose an angle that would serve you well if you were to flesh this brief piece of writing out into a six or seven page essay.

We have already discussed the fact that most issues have more than two sides to them. Your goal, then, is to choose a topic for which you are able to clearly identify one angle in your claim. In order to accomplish this, you want to avoid sweeping claims in your thesis. For example, if you were to argue that all American workers should be required to submit to random drug testing, you would end up with too much to handle in an essay. I would like to know if my brain surgeon was on something for obvious reasons, but there are very different reasons that fast food workers may need to be tested randomly.

If you were trying to argue in favor of this sweeping claim, you would find yourself in a tangled web of supporting reasons, one having nothing to do with the other, having no way to build upon your arguments, and end up lacking in persuasive appeal. The trick is, therefore, to choose one angle of an issue. This assignment will help you do just that. Step 1: Choose a topic Reread the discussion board responses for the Discussion Board II assignment until you find a few possible topics that are of interest to you. Step 2: Prewriting Push the control button and click on Prewriting Strategies to read about different strategies you should use to generate ideas and support.

Use one or two of these techniques to generate ideas for your first blog. If the first topic you choose produces enough material to work with and you are happy with the results, move on to Exercise 3. If the first topic doesn't produce enough material or you are unhappy with the results, choose another topic and go through the process again. Keep going until you find a topic and a claim with which you are satisfied. Step 3: Writing Assignment: pgs.

70-71, Writing Arguments “Decide on an issue and a claim for a classical argument that you would like to write. Write a one-sentence question that summarizes the controversial issue that your claim addresses. Then draft a working thesis statement for your proposed argument. Organize the thesis as a claim with bulleted because clauses for reasons. You should have at least two reasons, but it is okay to have three or four.

Also include an opposing thesis statement-that is, a claim with because clauses for an alternative position on your issue.†**See pg. 71 for an example. Step 4: Reflection Now I would like you to consider the working thesis and claim with regard to the rhetorical triangle. Choose two of the three parts of the rhetorical triangle (discussed on pgs. 60-61), and write a brief paragraph in which you discuss strategies or general examples you might use in terms of the persuasive appeals if you were to extend this into a longer essay.

You may use first person pronouns here for clarity, “I would….†Step 5: Revision Review the rubric for weblogs under the Course Documents button. Revise and edit your blog post for major errors. Step 6: Post Your Blog Find Weblog #1 under the Blog button, and post your blog.

Paper for above instructions

Blog Post 1: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Issue Question: How does social media usage significantly impact the mental health of adolescents?
Working Thesis Statement: Social media usage negatively affects adolescents’ mental health because it promotes unrealistic standards of beauty and success, fosters feelings of inadequacy and isolation, and encourages cyberbullying.

Opposing Thesis Statement:

Some might argue that social media has a positive impact on adolescents' mental health because it provides a platform for self-expression, facilitates social connections, and offers mental health resources.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life for many adolescents. While it offers the potential for enhanced communication and self-expression, growing evidence suggests that its effects on mental health can be significantly detrimental. Exploring this issue brings forth essential discussions about today’s youth and the environment they navigate. Understanding the complexities surrounding social media’s influence on adolescent mental health is critical, as it equips educators, parents, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to foster a healthier online environment.

Social Media and Unrealistic Standards

The first prominent argument supporting the thesis is that social media platforms often promote unrealistic standards of beauty and success. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are filled with images of idealized bodies and glamorous lifestyles, which are frequently modified by filters and photo editing software. According to a study by Fardouly et al. (2015), exposure to such images can lead to body dissatisfaction and a host of psychological issues, including low self-esteem and eating disorders among adolescents. These unrealistic portrayals cultivate an environment where young people compare themselves to others, often leading them to perceive their own lives as inferior (Perloff, 2014).

Isolation and Inadequacy

Another significant reason social media negatively impacts mental health is that it can foster feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Adolescents may experience anxiety or depression when they perceive themselves as socially unworthy or disconnected. Research from Primack et al. (2017) highlights that increased social media usage correlates with a greater sense of loneliness, as online interactions are often not a substitute for face-to-face communication. While adolescents may have hundreds of online friends, the lack of deep connections can leave them feeling isolated. When they fail to receive substantial interaction or validation online, it can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.

Cyberbullying

Furthermore, the potential for cyberbullying associated with social media use poses another severe threat to adolescent mental health. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center (2021), over 35% of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying, leading to devastating emotional consequences. Cyberbullying can take various forms, such as harassment, exclusion, and spreading rumors, and its 24/7 nature means that adolescents cannot easily escape from the torment. Victims often report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts as a result of persistent online harassment (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010). The unfortunate reality is that many adolescents suffer in silence due to fear of stigma and retribution.

Encouraging Counterargument

On the flip side, it's essential to acknowledge that social media is not overwhelmingly negative. Many argue it serves as a double-edged sword, offering avenues for self-expression, community building, and access to mental health resources. For instance, platforms like TikTok have seen a significant rise in creators who share their mental health journeys, encouraging others to seek help (Seabrook, Kern, & Rickard, 2016). These platforms can potentially create a sense of belonging and solidarity, particularly for marginalized groups. Furthermore, initiatives like online support groups or mental health organizations present on social media could help adolescents find support and necessary resources when struggling.

Rhetorical Triangle: Ethos and Pathos

To extend this argument into a longer essay, I would focus on utilizing ethos (credibility) and pathos (emotion) as primary rhetorical strategies. Ethos would involve citing respected studies and statistics from credible sources to establish my authority on the subject. For example, referencing the works of well-known researchers in psychology and mental health can lend credibility to my argument that social media has a negative impact on mental health.
On the other hand, I would also employ pathos to appeal to the emotions of my readers. I could include personal anecdotes or real-life accounts of adolescents who have struggled with the pressures of social media. Sharing poignant stories of individuals facing mental health challenges due to social media could strengthen my argument while resonating deeply with readers. Using emotionally charged language would evoke empathy and encourage them to consider the consequences of social media on mental health.

Conclusion

Social media continues to infiltrate various aspects of adolescents' lives, presenting both opportunities and challenges. However, it is essential to recognize the significant mental health risks associated with its use, particularly concerning the unrealistic standards of beauty, feelings of inadequacy and isolation, and the prevalence of cyberbullying. By understanding these factors, we can create a more supportive online environment for adolescents, fostering genuine connections and healthy self-esteem. While acknowledging the counterarguments emphasizing social media's positive aspects, it is crucial to address the potential risks in order to equip the younger generation with the tools needed to navigate this digital landscape responsibly.

References

1. Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45. DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.001
2. Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2010). Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Suicide. Archives of Suicide Research, 14(3), 206-221. DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2010.494133
3. Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. S., Rosen, D., Colditz, J. B., ... & Primack, K. J. (2017). Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010
4. Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social Media Effects on Young Women’s Body Image Concerns: Theoretical Perspectives and an Agenda for Research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377. DOI: 10.1007/s11199-014-0384-6
5. Seabrook, E. M., Kern, M. L., & Rickard, N. S. (2016). Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review. JMIR Mental Health, 3(4), e50. DOI: 10.2196/mental.5842
6. Cyberbullying Research Center (2021). Cyberbullying Statistics. Available online: [https://cyberbullying.org](https://cyberbullying.org)
7. Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A Systematic Review: The Impact of Social Media on Young People’s Mental Health. Children and Youth Services Review, 119, 10558. DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105588
8. Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Age of Anxiety: Birth Cohort, Social Media, and Mental Health. Journal of Social Issues, 74(1), 117-129. DOI: 10.1111/josi.12256
9. Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2015). Using Social Media for Social Comparison and Friends' Peer Victimization as Predictors of Adolescent Distress. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43(5), 1-13. DOI: 10.1007/s10802-015-0053-6
10. Huang, C. (2020). Social Media Use and Mental Health among Adolescents: The Role of Peer Influence. Youth & Society, 52(6), 1066-1090. DOI: 10.1177/0044118X19835692