Assingments % - Impact of Social Media Addiction

STEP 1:Draft a one-page OUTLINE for your Cause-Effect Analysis essay. Use brainstorming and questioning methods to narrow your topic and discover a path for developing it. State the following rhetorical features of your proposed paper: 1. Title (3 to 6 words) 2. Working thesis (overall claim) 3. Will you focus on causes or effects? 4. Outline of main points (rough structure) 5. Conclusion (should echo thesis) I will attach an example for you to follow. STEP 2: Write an essay (4 to 5 pages) that explores the cause(s) and effect(s) of one of the following topics: Climate change The Covid-19 pandemic Tropical storms or hurricanes Food deserts Social media addiction Obesity Gun violence Cell phone innovation Cruelty to animals You will first submit a one-page OUTLINE stating your purpose, audience, working thesis, and rough outline of main points. Be sure to complete the following steps as you develop your essay: Brainstorm to discover and define your purpose, scope, and audience Use your thesis to guide the organization of main points Edit your paragraphs for logical sequence, transitions, and smooth flow Edit your sentences for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and coherence Format your paper according to MLA guidelines A basic cause and effect essay structure would look like this: Introduction: Describe the event or situation your essay will explore. Include your thesis statement, which may focus on what you think is the main cause or effect of the event or situation. Body Paragraphs (Causes): Start with what you feel is the main cause of the event, providing evidence to back up your argument. Then, follow with describing secondary causes. Body Paragraphs (Effects): Just as with the causes, here you’ll start with the biggest or most important effect of the situation. Again, provide evidence to back up your argument. Subsequent paragraphs can then discuss other effects worth noting. Conclusion: Reiterate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of your essay, showing how they support your thesis. Alternatively, you may choose to discuss the effects before you talk about the causes. It depends on the argument you’re trying to make or where you’d like to place greater emphasis. If you want to focus more on the causes, that section can be larger than the section on effects, for example. Either approach is acceptable, as long as your essay flows naturally.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

For your Cause-Effect Analysis essay, here’s how you can structure the brainstorming and planning process based on the steps provided:

1. Title (3 to 6 words):

“Impact of Social Media Addiction”

2. Working Thesis (Overall Claim):

Social media addiction has far-reaching effects on mental health, relationships, and productivity, with the causes stemming from the design of platforms, societal pressures, and user behavior.

3. Focus on Causes or Effects?

I will focus on both causes and effects, but I’ll place more emphasis on the effects of social media addiction, particularly on mental health and relationships. The causes will lay the groundwork for the understanding of how addiction develops.

4. Outline of Main Points (Rough Structure):

Introduction

Brief introduction to social media addiction as a growing concern.
Thesis statement: Social media addiction has far-reaching effects on mental health, relationships, and productivity, with the causes stemming from the design of platforms, societal pressures, and user behavior.

Body Paragraphs (Causes)

Design of Platforms
- Algorithms that encourage prolonged usage.
- Notifications and infinite scrolling that hook users.
Societal Pressure and Influence
- The desire for social validation (likes, comments).
- Peer pressure to stay updated with trends and memes.
Behavioral Patterns
- The psychology of instant gratification.
- Escapism and the comfort of social media during times of stress or loneliness.

Body Paragraphs (Effects)

Mental Health Issues
- Increased anxiety and depression rates among users.
- Impact on self-esteem due to comparisons with others.
Relationship Strain
- Effects on real-world social interactions and connections.
- Social media’s role in causing conflicts or misunderstandings between friends and partners.
Decreased Productivity
- Time wasted on social media, leading to procrastination.
- Negative effects on work, school, and personal goals.

Conclusion

Restate thesis: Social media addiction, driven by platform design, societal pressures, and behavioral patterns, has serious effects on mental health, relationships, and productivity.
Summarize key points: Discuss how these causes and effects are interconnected.
Call to action or closing thought: Suggest the importance of awareness and strategies for mitigating social media addiction.

5. Conclusion (Should Echo Thesis):

In conclusion, social media addiction has profound effects on users’ mental health, relationships, and productivity. These consequences are rooted in the design features of social media platforms, the societal pressures that encourage constant engagement, and the behavioral patterns that drive users to spend more time online. As society becomes increasingly dependent on social media, it is crucial to address both the causes and effects of addiction to mitigate its harmful consequences.

With this outline, you’re ready to begin drafting your essay. Remember to use evidence, examples, and quotes to support your claims in each section. When you’re ready to write, you can structure your essay logically, following the format that makes the most sense for your argument (e.g., causes first or effects first).

This should give you a clear path to develop a well-organized, persuasive essay!