How has the use of communication devices impacted any relationships in your life?
Give a high-level summary of some of your current communication patterns, networks, and resources. In your post, share your personal feelings about connectivity. Close with some parting thoughts on the convergence of media in contemporary society. What is your opinion on the impact of convergence of traditional media?
Further discuss the effects of convergences of media with regard to contemporary society and culture.
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
Title: Impact of Communication Devices on Relationships and the Convergence of Media in Contemporary Society
Introduction
The advent of communication devices has revolutionized the way we interact and connect with others, reshaping relationships in both positive and negative ways. In this essay, I will explore how communication devices have influenced my personal relationships and discuss my communication patterns, networks, and resources. Furthermore, I will share my thoughts on connectivity, the convergence of media in contemporary society, and the effects of this convergence on culture and relationships.
Impact on Relationships
Communication devices have played a significant role in enhancing my relationships by enabling quick and constant connectivity with friends and family. Platforms like messaging apps and social media have made it easier to stay in touch regardless of physical distance. However, the downside is the potential for over-reliance on digital communication, leading to reduced face-to-face interactions and a sense of disconnection.
Communication Patterns
My current communication patterns involve a mix of texting, video calls, and social media interactions. I rely heavily on messaging apps for daily conversations, while video calls are reserved for more meaningful or formal discussions. Social media serves as a platform for sharing updates and staying connected with a broader network of acquaintances.
Connectivity
I value the convenience and immediacy that communication devices offer, allowing me to stay connected with loved ones and access information at my fingertips. However, I also recognize the importance of balance and making time for offline interactions to nurture deeper connections and foster meaningful relationships.
Convergence of Media in Contemporary Society
The convergence of traditional media, such as print, television, and radio, with digital platforms has transformed the way information is consumed and shared. This convergence has blurred the boundaries between different forms of media, leading to a more interconnected and interactive media landscape.
Impact on Culture and Society
The convergence of media has had profound effects on culture and society, influencing how we communicate, consume content, and perceive the world around us. It has democratized access to information, empowered individuals to share their voices, and reshaped traditional modes of storytelling and entertainment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the widespread use of communication devices has reshaped relationships by offering new avenues for connectivity while posing challenges related to digital dependency. As we navigate the convergence of media in contemporary society, it is essential to critically evaluate the impact of these changes on culture, communication, and relationships. By embracing technology mindfully and fostering meaningful connections both online and offline, we can harness the power of communication devices to enhance our lives while preserving the essence of human connection in a rapidly evolving digital age.
