5-2 Final Project Milestone 2 copy

.docx

School

Southern New Hampshire University *

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Course

111BA

Subject

Communications

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

5

Uploaded by EarlNarwhalPerson768

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Primary Argument: Bias The position advanced in the primary article is that social media has both positive and negative impacts on users’ mental health. The authors do well to avoid bias and maintain a balanced perspective in their writing. Their lack of bias is evident from the language they use; rather than telling users they “must” reduce the amount of time they spend online, or making suggestions for readers to reduce their social media use, they remain impartial by stating that “it may be time to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance” if their social media use is resulting in feelings of “sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness” (Robinson & Smith, 2023). By using this impartial language, the authors are avoiding absolutism and refraining from imposing a one size fits all solution. Instead, they encourage autonomy and simply provide readers with well sourced information regarding the positives and negatives of excessive social media use, concluding the article by inviting readers to reflect on their personal relationship with social media based on their unique experiences and needs. Primary Argument: Credibility Using the CRAAP test, I have determined the argument made by the authors is credible. It is current, as the article was last updated in March of this year and its relevance is made clear by addressing topics directly related to the title of the article. In terms of authority, the publisher of the article, HealthGuide.org, is a nonprofit that has been operating for over 20 years with the mission being “to provide empowering, evidence-based information that you can use to help yourself and your loved ones.” (HealthGuide.Org – about us). Additionally, both authors are qualified to write on this topic, with one holding a MA in psychology and the other having over 20 years of experience writing on health and wellness topics. They exhibit a commitment to accuracy, citing current, reputable sources such as the Pew Research center and several medical and psychological journals throughout the article, and providing additional resources for further reading on the topic, further exemplifying their goal to leave readers capable of forming educated opinions and making informed decisions. Finally, the purpose of the article, is to inform, educate and spark thought. This is made evident by the authors’ objective and impartial point of view and reinforces this article as a reliable source of information.
Counterargument: To counterargue the argument presented in the primary article, I will argue that the effects of social media on mental health are nuanced and differ across demographics. Premise 1: The effects of social media vary with age and gender. Supportive evidence: In the article Scientists Find that the Impact of Social Media on Wellbeing Varies Across Adolescence , the impact of social media on life satisfaction is found to vary between girls and boys, with the negative impacts of social media being experienced at different ages, between 11-13 and 14-15 respectively. They suggest that this might be related to shifts in brain structure or the timing of puberty. (State News Service, 2022). Premise 2: People living with LTC’s experience mental health benefits from social media platforms. Supportive evidence: In the research article Social media comes with good and bad sides, doesn’t it? social media is found to help reduce feelings of isolation among people living with LTC’s by providing them with spaces (online groups/ communities) where they can feel connected with other people living with the same condition, feel less alone in their struggles and seek support both outside and within the LTC specific groups. (Wilson & Stock, 2021) Conclusion: The impact of social media on mental health is nuanced and varies across demographics. The supportive evidence above supports my conclusion that the impact of social media on mental health is nuanced and varies across demographics and therefore cannot be described as solely positive or negative, as experiences differ depending on age, gender, and personal experience.
My counter argument is indictive. It starts with specific instances and facts and uses them to draw the general conclusion that the impact of social media on mental health is nuanced. While I think the conclusion in my counterargument is logically connected to the premises and supported by reputable research, there are weaknesses present. Particularly, the ages of the individuals from both studies only included younger adults and teenagers. To make my counter argument stronger, additional research including data collected from middle aged and older adults will be necessary. Additionally, bias in my counterargument is present in the form of evidence selection. Evidence supporting premise two only mentions the positive impacts of social media use for individuals living with LTC’s that were reported in the study and fails to include the aspects of the research that concluded with individuals reporting that using social media was a “balancing act” maintained through self-reflection.
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