Write a research paper on the topic of Social Media and the Psychological Effects on People
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Research Paper: Social Media and Its Psychological Impact on Individuals
Introduction
Social media platforms have become integral parts of modern society, influencing how people communicate, interact, and perceive themselves and others. This research paper explores the psychological effects of social media on individuals, including both positive and negative impacts. By examining existing literature and studies, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media influences mental health and well-being.
The Influence of Social Media on Self-Esteem
Positive Effects:
Research indicates that social media can enhance self-esteem by providing opportunities for self-expression, social connection, and validation from peers. Positive feedback and support received on social platforms can boost individuals’ confidence and sense of self-worth.
Negative Effects:
Conversely, social media can also contribute to low self-esteem and negative self-perception. The prevalence of curated, idealized images on platforms like Instagram can lead to comparison and feelings of inadequacy among users. Moreover, cyberbullying and online harassment can have detrimental effects on individuals’ self-esteem and mental health.
Social Comparison and Envy on Social Media
Positive Effects:
Social media allows individuals to connect with others, share experiences, and seek inspiration from diverse perspectives. Positive social comparisons can motivate personal growth and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Negative Effects:
However, constant exposure to idealized lifestyles and filtered representations on social media can trigger feelings of envy and dissatisfaction. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to such content can lead to decreased life satisfaction and increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Positive Effects:
In some cases, social media serves as a valuable platform for raising awareness about mental health issues, providing support to individuals in need, and promoting mental well-being through positive messaging and resources.
Negative Effects:
On the other hand, excessive use of social media has been linked to various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. The constant need for validation, fear of missing out (FOMO), and cyberbullying contribute to heightened stress levels and emotional distress among users.
Coping Strategies and Recommendations
To mitigate the negative psychological effects of social media, individuals can implement the following strategies:
1. Limit Screen Time: Setting boundaries on social media usage can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and comparison.
2. Curate a Positive Feed: Following accounts that promote positivity, authenticity, and mental well-being can create a more supportive online environment.
3. Engage Mindfully: Being mindful of one’s emotions and reactions while using social media can prevent impulsive behaviors and negative spirals.
4. Seek Support: Talking to friends, family, or mental health professionals about concerns related to social media can provide valuable perspective and guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media has a profound impact on individuals’ psychological well-being, shaping perceptions of self, relationships, and the world around them. While social media offers numerous benefits in terms of connectivity and information sharing, it is essential to be mindful of its potential negative effects on mental health. By understanding these dynamics and adopting healthy coping mechanisms, individuals can navigate the digital landscape more effectively and prioritize their mental well-being in the age of social media.
