Chapter 8 Projects

Project Assignment

Purpose

Technology is a huge part of our daily lives and has changed how we interact with and think about those around us. The purpose of this project is to examine how technology impacts and affects individuals in our society by reading, analyzing, and critiquing an article.

Directions

Part 1

Closely read and analyze the following article: hawkes.biz/technologynarcissism. Then, in a discussion board post of one to two paragraphs, answer the following questions:

• Do you agree with the author's points? Why or why not?

• In what ways do you think technology makes people more narcissistic?

• In what ways does technology have positive effects on people?

• In what ways does technology have negative effects on people?

• Do you think technology is ultimately positive or negative?

Respond to posts from at least two other students, respectfully and thoughtfully addressing their thoughts on the article.

Part 2

Closely read and analyze the following article: hawkes.biz/socialmediaaddiction. In a discussion board post of two to three paragraphs, answer the following questions:

• What are three negative effects of media on society?

• What are three positive affects of media on society?

• What role do you think social media has in shaping how we see ourselves and our self-esteem?

• How do other people's perceptions of us impact how we see ourselves? Why do you think people care about how others see them?

• How much does media influence how we present ourselves?

Respond to posts from at least two other students. As always, your response should be respectful and thoughtful.

Materials

Discussion board, internet access

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Technology is the foundation of much of our communication. The purpose of this writing assignment is to analyze the importance of technology for the individual as well as the impact technology has on American culture and society.

Directions

First, list three traditional forms of technology and three modern forms of technology. Next, write about the sociological significance and importance of technology in American society and in your own life. Finally, analyze how technology has impacted and transformed society, especially how it has impacted inequality and stratification. As you are writing, think about the following prompts:

• How has technology changed norms and cultural values?

• How has it changed human relationships?

• How has it changed social institutions, including work, education, business, media, family, government, and politics?

• How has it changed social class inequality and educational inequality?

• How has it changed racial, ethnic, and cultural inequality?

• How has it changed gender inequality?

• How have modern, contemporary forms of technology affected society?

• What influence do you think media will have on society in the future?

To help you answer these questions, interview a friend or family member. Incorporate their responses as citations in your essay.

Your essay should be three to four pages, use APA style, and be free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Materials

None required

Checklist