Write an analytical research paper essay on how social media has 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
The Impact of Social Media on Individuals: An Analytical Research Paper
Introduction
In the past decade, social media platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and consume information. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, the impact of social media on individuals has been a topic of debate and research. This analytical research paper aims to critically analyze the effects of social media on people’s mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.
Mental Health
One of the most prominent areas of concern regarding social media is its impact on mental health. Studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and increased levels of anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. The constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized versions of others’ lives on social media can lead to negative self-comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, the addictive nature of social media can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to decreased overall well-being.
Self-Esteem
Social media platforms often serve as a platform for self-presentation and validation. However, the pursuit of validation through likes, comments, and followers can have detrimental effects on individuals’ self-esteem. Research has suggested that excessive use of social media can lead to a reliance on external validation for self-worth, resulting in a fragile sense of self-esteem. The constant pressure to maintain an attractive online persona and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to feelings of insecurity and low self-confidence.
Relationships
While social media allows individuals to connect with others across the globe, it can also impact real-life relationships. Studies have found that excessive social media use can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions and reduced intimacy in relationships. The constant distractions and comparisons on social media can take away from quality time spent with loved ones. Moreover, the portrayal of picture-perfect relationships on social media can create unrealistic expectations and place strain on real-life relationships.
Well-Being
The overall well-being of individuals can be influenced by their social media usage. The constant exposure to information overload and negative news on social media can contribute to increased stress levels and a sense of helplessness. Moreover, studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and decreased life satisfaction. Spending excessive time scrolling through feeds can result in a lack of productivity and hinder personal growth and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Social media has undoubtedly transformed the way we interact and share information. However, it is crucial to critically analyze its effects on individuals’ mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. While social media can provide opportunities for connection and information sharing, it also poses risks such as increased anxiety, negative self-comparisons, reduced intimacy in relationships, and decreased life satisfaction. To mitigate these risks, individuals should be mindful of their social media usage and strive for a healthy balance between online interactions and real-life experiences. Additionally, further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between social media and individuals’ psychological well-being, allowing for the development of strategies and interventions that promote a positive and responsible use of these platforms.
