Excessive cell phone usage and social media usage
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
The Impact of Excessive Cell Phone and Social Media Usage on Mental Health and Well-being
In today’s digital age, cell phones and social media have become integral parts of our daily lives. While they offer connectivity and convenience, excessive usage of these technologies can have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being. This essay explores the impact of excessive cell phone and social media usage on individuals’ mental health and provides insights into strategies to mitigate the negative consequences.
Effects on Mental Health
1. Increased Stress and Anxiety:
Excessive cell phone and social media usage can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Constant notifications, comparison with others’ curated online personas, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
2. Poor Sleep Quality:
The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances. Excessive usage of cell phones before bedtime can interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep, impacting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
3. Decreased Concentration and Productivity:
Frequent interruptions from notifications and the urge to check social media updates can impair concentration and productivity. This constant distraction can hinder cognitive performance and increase feelings of overwhelm.
4. Negative Self-image and Body Dissatisfaction:
Social media platforms often showcase idealized versions of reality, leading to comparisons that may negatively impact self-esteem and body image. Constant exposure to edited images can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and feelings of inadequacy.
Mitigation Strategies
1. Set Boundaries:
Establishing boundaries around cell phone and social media usage is crucial. Designate specific times for checking notifications, limit screen time before bed, and create tech-free zones to promote a healthier balance.
2. Practice Mindfulness:
Engaging in mindfulness practices can help individuals become more aware of their digital consumption habits. Mindful technology use encourages being present in the moment and fosters a deeper connection with oneself and surroundings.
3. Cultivate Offline Interactions:
Prioritize face-to-face interactions and real-world connections over virtual engagements. Building strong relationships offline can provide a sense of community and support that may be lacking in digital interactions.
4. Seek Professional Support:
If excessive cell phone and social media usage significantly impact mental health, seeking professional help from therapists or counselors can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based interventions can help individuals develop healthier relationships with technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cell phones and social media offer numerous benefits, their excessive usage can have adverse effects on mental health and well-being. By recognizing the potential risks associated with prolonged screen time, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate these negative consequences. Setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, prioritizing offline interactions, and seeking professional support are essential strategies to promote a healthier relationship with technology and safeguard mental wellness in the digital age. By fostering a balanced approach to cell phone and social media usage, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and lead more fulfilling lives in an increasingly connected world.
