The Effect of Social Networking on Kids

“Social networking’s good and bad impacts on kids.” physorg.com. Physorg, 7 August 2011.

Web. 25 Sept. 2011.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-08-social-networking-good-bad-impacts.html

PHYSORG’s article addresses the issue of whether social networking has a good or bad impact on kids.  It includes both positive and negative effects and explains the importance of communication between children and their parents.  This article is directed mainly towards parents of children who are involved in social networking.  Its intent is to inform parents about how their kids’ lives may be affected due to interacting on social networking sites.  The article also tries to persuade parents to have a trust filled relationship with their children and to communicate with them more often.  PHYSORG touches on how social networking can affect children in a negative way.  It includes how this action may lead to social behavioral problems, health issues, and learning complications.  While social networking can be harmful to children and teens, it may also be beneficial.  The article states how those who are involved with social networking can display more empathy to others, learn how to interact with people behind the safety of a number of screens, and absorb new tools for teaching in a fascinating way.  Although this article remained unbiased, it failed to explain why and how social networking has the positive and negative effects it does on children and teens.  Overall, this article was “okay”.  It offered both good and bad qualities of social networking and was very to the point, but didn’t go into much detail.  I wouldn’t choose to further research this topic because I feel it is directed more towards parents.  Even though teens my age probably have opinions regarding the effects of social networking, I don’t believe many of my classmates would find enjoyment in this article either; maybe when we all get a bit older and have kids of our own.

Reality TV Shows: Real or Fake?

Ventre, Michael. “Just How Real Are Reality TV Shows?” today.msnbc.msn.com. Today, 14

            April 2009. Web. 25 Sept. 2011.

                      

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30092600/ns/today-entertainment/t/just-how-real-are-reality-tv-shows/

Michael Ventre addresses the topic of whether reality TV shows are actually real or not.  He explains how producers may be a large part in what is being done and said on the show.  Ventre includes the words “rigged”, “manipulated”, and “scripted” in his article, all of which he believes can be used to explain reality shows.  He directs his thoughts towards viewers of these shows, especially those who believe they are entirely “real”.  His intent is to inform people of what they are actually watching.  He hopes viewers will consider the fact that many of their favorite reality shows may be scripted.  Being a producer himself, J. Rupert Thompson stated, “Certainly, reality TV is a very manipulated format where the basis of it is that real people are put into unreal situations to create a story.”  He later voiced, “I think the educated viewer knows what reality TV is and what it has become.”  Many believe that in certain reality shows, such as Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor, specific decisions are made by the producers themselves in hopes of keeping viewers entertained and waiting in anticipation for the following week’s episode.  Although Ventre’s article focuses mainly on how reality TV shows are not completely real, he does include comments from others regarding the fact that specific shows must include some reality.  Lynette Rice stated a fact in regards to the hit reality show Dancing with the Stars.   “…there aren’t producers out there manipulating Steve-O’s legs while he’s fox-trotting.  He’s doing it all himself”, she said. Overall Ventre’s article was very interesting.  He included many views from others, such as producers, and remained very focused as well.  While he mainly supported the idea that reality TV shows are manipulated and not entirely real, he did manage to include how parts of them are.  I feel that this is a good topic for me to further do research on.  I believe that many reality TV shows, such as Jersey Shore, are extremely unrealistic.  Although I do enjoy tuning in to several reality shows, I believe that MTV especially stretches the word “reality”.  Reality TV has become extremely popular.  Many teens enjoy a good drama filled show; therefore, many of my classmates may also find interest in this topic. 

Are Zoos Cruel?

“Animal Rights Uncompromised: Zoos.” peta.org. Peta, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.

http://www.peta.org/about/why-peta/zoos.aspx

PETA’s very opinionated article addresses the issue of zoos and animal rights.  The organization makes it clear that animals that are put in the presence of a zoo have a limited ability to behave naturally as they would in the wild.  This restriction strips animals of their rights and has a number of negative effects on them.  PETA directs their thoughts towards those who work at zoos and wildlife parks, along with the people who visit them.  Their intent is to persuade people to make changes in regards to the treating of wild animals.  It was said that although many believe zoos help to protect endangered species, this is untrue.  Most zoos prefer to include popular animals in order to attract customers; therefore, these animals tend not to be endangered. PETA states, “Warehousing animals for life is not the way to save them from extinction.  Their salvation lies in protecting habitats, not in creating prisons.”  The article also included information regarding the effect that “zoo life” has on animals released into the wild.  They tend to be unable to defend for themselves because they adapt to life in the zoo.  Overall, PETA supported their opinion by giving strong examples regarding the effect that zoo life has on wild animals.  While doing so, they left out all opposing views and focused strictly on their own beliefs.  Seeing that they are the “PETA” organization, it is easy to understand why they lean one way so strongly.  Although I recognize why this group thinks the way they do, I as a child always enjoyed zoos; therefore, believe they have both good and bad qualities.  This topic would be difficult for me to further research and use for an argumentative paper because I agree with both sides in some way.  It may be easier for several of my other classmates to use if they feel strongly about one of the two sides.

Idolizing Celebrities

Miller, Alison. “Idolizing Celebrities Negatively Affects Teenagers’ Self-images.” gather.com. Gather, 20 Oct. 2008. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977483509

Alison Miller addresses the issue of young children and teens idolizing celebrities.  She touches on the fact that this has been occurring since the beginning of time.  Young children, once reaching a certain age, begin to follow their favorite celebs.  The problem with this is that many of the idolized celebrities display negative behavior that has an effect on the behavior of their young fans.  Miller directs her article towards the entire human race but specifically parents of teens and teens themselves.  Her intent is to explain how important it is for young children and teens to look up to and idolize people who display positive behavior and actions.  Miller focuses on the variety of problems that a number of celebrities become familiar with throughout their lifetime, from alcohol and drug addiction to eating disorders.  As children begin to follow stars at a young age, they strive to become more and more like them as the years progress.  Although Miller supports her opinion by giving examples of how celebrities negatively affect teenage behavior, the opposing side’s views are absent.  Overall, this article is interesting but remains very “one sided”.  It gives valid examples of celebrities’ faults but fails to provide some of their positive traits.  Although I do agree with Miller’s general opinion, I believe not all celebrities have those negative characteristics.  Some truly can be good role models and promote good decisions in life.  I may not have a so-called “celebrity idol” but this topic did interest me.  I feel that with more research including the opinions of an opposing side, this topic would be a possibility for me to argue about.  I’m sure several of my classmates would also find interest in this topic seeing that a majority of us are up to date with the newest and most popular celebs.

Preemies Worth Saving?

Evans, Julie. “Should Very Premature Babies Be Left To Die?” thestir.cafemom.com. The Stir, 10 March 2011. Web. 10 Sept. 2011.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/117363/should_very_premature_babies_be

Julie Evans, mother of a preemie born at only 27 weeks, addresses the argument of whether extremely premature babies should be saved or not.  After summing up the miracle story of her baby boy, she explains the reoccurring opinion amongst doctors regarding the subject.  Many are coming to believe that the act of attempting to save preemies that are born earlier than 24 weeks should stop.  In her blog, Evans touches on the reasoning behind the doctors’ opinions along with her personal view.  Her intent is for readers to give the issue a second thought, one much deeper than their initial.  She directs this topic toward those of adulthood, those who have had children, or those who can truly understand its importance.  Within her blog, Evans explained the strong opinion of Dr. Daphne Austin, who believed that saving those born earlier than 24 weeks is much too costly.  It was mentioned that the money put towards those attempts could be used for something more achievable within medical means.  A majority of babies born that early do not survive; regardless of the constant medical care and attention they are given.  Those that do tend to face lifetime disabilities that they and their families have to deal with.  When the issue was brought to Evan’s attention she had several thoughts.  Being the mother of a preemie she would not have asked for anything less than to have her little boy saved.  Even after she had experienced the situation herself seven years ago, she still wondered if a line should be drawn somewhere by doctors.  The question she faced and continues to face is whether or not that line should be those born at less than 24 weeks.  Overall, Evans blog consisted of interesting information regarding the saving of premature babies.  Although she is a mother of one herself, she refrained from being bias and instead further examined the thoughts of medical caretakers.  I feel that this topic is definitely a good option for me, seeing that my niece was born at only 28 weeks and was only two pounds.  We spent two months visiting her in the NICU and I was able to experience the struggle she went through and the extreme care she was given.  I have some strong opinions regarding this topic and would enjoy furthering my research.  On the other hand, I do not think my classmates would find much interest in this topic.  It would be difficult to understand everything premature babies go through in regards to medical care without actually witnessing it.

Teen Curfew

Morron, Jennifer. “Teen Curfew?” gothamgazette.com. Gotham Gazette, March 2006. Web. 10 Sept. 2011.

http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/children/20060310/2/1783


Young writer and freshman in college Jennifer Morron addresses the topic of a teen curfew in New York City.  While many believe that keeping children under the age of 18 off the streets would prevent criminal behavior and violence, others believe it should be up to the parents of teens to set such curfews.  Morron directs her article not only to teens and their parental figures but also to the entire population of New York City.  Occurring violence has an effect on everyone who lives in the surrounding area, not just those who are directly involved.  Morron states that having a set curfew of midnight in New York City would be beneficial because teens would not have the opportunity to become involved in troublesome activities.  She gives examples of how criminal acts of violence by and against juveniles have decreased in the cities of San Diego, California and Dallas, Texas after a specific curfew had been set for those under the age of 18.  While most young adults and teenagers would argue that a set curfew is unnecessary and a violation of their rights, Morron mentions how she has always respected her early curfew set by her mother.  She isn't bias towards not having a set curfew like most her age would be.  Although she gives her opinion and leans towards having a citywide set curfew for teens, she provides thoughts and reasoning from the opposing side as well.  One example is the question of whether or not having a set curfew in New York City would give the government too much power.  Should it really be their choice?  Overall this article includes a very good argumentative subject.   Although it offers thoughts of those who support a set curfew for teens, it also incorporates the opposing side’s views.  I believe this article would be a good topic for not only me but also for many of my classmates.  Most of us are at the age where we want to gain more independence from our parents.  We want to go where we want, stay out with our friends, and arrive back at home as we please.  I am sure that I, along with others, would have some strong thoughts regarding this topic.