Now find a different article that provides valid information sharing a different perspective on utilizing social media. As you evaluate the key points and information shared within both articles.
• Briefly summarize the positive and negative aspects of utilizing social media.
• Discern how those positive and negative aspects impact individuals differently (i.e. different generations, reasoning for using social media, etc.).
• Share your own ideas on how individuals and society as a whole can create a balance between those positive and negative aspects of utilizing social media.
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 Social Media: Balancing the Scales
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a platform for communication, networking, and self-expression. While it brings a myriad of benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this essay, we will explore the positive and negative aspects of utilizing social media, examine how these aspects affect individuals differently, and propose strategies for achieving a balance in its usage.
Positive Aspects of Social Media
One of the key benefits of social media is its ability to connect people from all corners of the globe. It facilitates communication, allowing individuals to stay in touch with friends and family members irrespective of geographical boundaries. Moreover, social media serves as a platform for networking and professional development, enabling individuals to build relationships and explore career opportunities.
Another positive aspect of social media is its role in promoting creativity and self-expression. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube provide users with a space to showcase their talents, share their thoughts and ideas, and engage with like-minded individuals. This creative outlet can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging within online communities.
Negative Aspects of Social Media
On the flip side, social media presents several challenges that can impact individuals’ well-being. One of the most significant drawbacks is the potential for addiction and excessive usage. The constant need for validation through likes and comments can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially among younger users.
Additionally, social media can be a breeding ground for misinformation and cyberbullying. False information spreads rapidly on these platforms, leading to confusion and distrust among users. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, can have severe psychological effects on individuals, causing anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Differential Impact on Individuals
The positive and negative aspects of social media can affect individuals differently based on various factors such as age, socio-economic status, and the reasons for using these platforms. For instance, younger generations may be more susceptible to the negative effects of social media due to their higher levels of engagement and reliance on these platforms for social validation.
Moreover, individuals who use social media for professional networking or business purposes may experience different impacts compared to those who use it primarily for personal reasons. The pressure to maintain a curated online presence for career advancement can contribute to stress and burnout among these users.
Achieving Balance in Social Media Usage
To strike a balance between the positive and negative aspects of social media, individuals and society as a whole can adopt several strategies:
– Practice Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of the time spent on social media and set boundaries to prevent excessive usage.
– Promote Digital Literacy: Educate users on how to discern credible information from fake news and encourage critical thinking online.
– Foster Positive Online Communities: Create safe spaces for constructive dialogue and support to combat cyberbullying and negativity.
– Prioritize Mental Health: Encourage users to prioritize their mental well-being over online validation and seek help if needed.
In conclusion, while social media offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant challenges that warrant careful consideration. By understanding the differential impacts of social media on individuals and implementing strategies to achieve a balance in its usage, we can harness its potential for positive change while mitigating its harmful effects.
