Discussion Prompts: Over the past couple of weeks,we have read different articles and viewpoints on the effects of social media and technology on society. Using the texts from this unit, you will craft discussion questions for a Socratic Seminar style debate about the following questions: Does social media have a positive or negative influence on young people today? Or both? Do you believe there is an "epidemic of narcissism" in our world today? Why or why not? Unit 3 Texts "Seeing Narcissists Everywhere" by Douglass Quenqua "A Year in a Word: Selfie" by Gautam Malkani "The Benefits of Selfies and Healthy Narcissism" by Dayna Mason "Are You a Digital Narcissist?" by Tomas Chamorro -Premuzic Concepts Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Social Media and Narcissism/Vanity The Healthy Use of Social Media The Pros and Cons of Taking Selfies FOMO Socratic Seminar Discussion Questions and Answers 70% of your grade) Write your discussion questions with your answers here.Good discussion questions are open- ended and thought-provoking Your answers should be detailed and multiple sentences in length. Cite evidence from the text in your answers. These questions and answers are your guide for the Socratic Seminar. The better prepared you are now, the more you will have to say during the discussion.

1. Does social media have a positive or negative influence on young people today? Or both?<br /><br />Answer: Social media has both positive and negative influences on young people today. On the positive side, social media platforms provide opportunities for connection, self-expression, and access to information. They allow individuals to stay connected with friends and family, join communities with shared interests, and express their thoughts and ideas. However, social media can also have negative effects, such as promoting unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying, and addiction. It can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially when individuals compare themselves to curated and often unattainable representations of others. Therefore, it is important to consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media when discussing its influence on young people.<br /><br />2. Do you believe there is an "epidemic of narcissism" in our world today? Why or why not?<br /><br />Answer: The concept of an "epidemic of narcissism" is a topic of debate, and it largely depends on one's perspective. Some argue that there is an increase in narcissistic behavior and attitudes in society, fueled by social media and the emphasis on self-promotion. This perspective suggests that individuals are more focused on themselves and their image, often at the expense of empathy and consideration for others. However, others argue that narcissism is not a new phenomenon and that it has always existed in society, albeit in different forms. They suggest that social media platforms simply provide a new outlet for self-expression and that narcissistic behavior is not unique to the digital age. Therefore, while there may be a perception of increased narcissism, it is important to consider the broader context and potential influences that contribute to this perception.