Global Technological Advancements of Social Networking Sites

Global Technological Advancements of Social Networking Sites The recent global technological advancements have led to many changes in the ways people interact due to the development of social networking sites. A social networking site refers to a web-based service that allows people to create semi-public or public profiles, connect with other users of the website besides viewing and traversing their list of connections and those made by others within the website’s system.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Global Technological Advancements of Social Networking Sites specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first social networking site to be established was ‘Friendster’ in 2002 followed by ‘LinkedIn’ and ‘Bebo’. Others include ‘Facebook’ and ‘MySpace’ invented in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The sites are growing exponentially in popularity around the globe as millions of people continue to join the internet commun ity. Despite the popularity of the social networking sites, I have not considered using any of them in the near future since the use of social networking sites has a negative effect on relationships. When used for a prolonged period, the sites enhance social isolation although they seem to bring people closer through their web-based interactions. The sole factor that causes the social isolation is the satisfaction that people tend to get through the sites once they communicate with their friends and family especially in cases of geographical separation. This communication hinders face-to-face interactions among people. With time, the bond associated with one-on-one communication weakens. Research has shown that, this form of isolation can lead to psychological, mental as well as mental problems such as depression, anxiety and somatic complaints among others. For instance, couples in long distance romantic relationships will tend to be unfaithful if they rely exclusively on web-based communication over the social sites for a long period. Social networking sites are time consuming. The users of social sites spend a lot of time updating their profiles and communicating with the other users within their social circle. This detracts them form the time they should have spend in other activities. Instead of concentrating on the activities assigned by their parents, most teens spend most of their time in the social networking sites posing a risk to their relationship with their parents. For students, increased use of the social sites leads to poor academic performance, which negatively affects their relationship with not only their teachers but also with their parents. People who tend to use most of their time in web-based communications may become addicted. Just like any other form of addiction, the social site(s) detaches one from the rest of the society including his/her family. Though social networking sites promise to protect an individual’s information, t his is not always the case. The privacy settings of most of the sites are dynamic. Owing to the fact that many people are in constant search of a fake identity, they may get access to a user’s information. Such people use one’s personal information such as name, area of residence and education level to fake their identity-profile.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They may use the stolen identity to post illegal materials as well as other inappropriate materials in the website. This tarnishes the image of the victim(s), which may lead to the development of a sour relationship with his/her friends. The inappropriate use of one’s identity has made many marriages around the globe to break. It is unfortunate that it takes a relatively long time before on realizes that someone else has stolen his/her identity for some illegal or rather inappropriate reaso ns. In addition, identity theft leads to the development of sour relationships between employers and employees. This occurs when one posts certain information to social networking sites that may tarnish the image of a given organization or an employer. It creates enmity between the victim and his/her employer, which may lead to the loss of his/her job in the organization. Children may unknowingly post confidential information about their family on the sites without the knowledge of the parents. Once the parents discover that their child exposed some family secrets, the child may face a hard time trying to explain it to the parents. Researchers have reported that many family secrets have found their way to the internet, which has had a negative impact on the relationship between parents and their children. Some parents have forced their children to close their accounts in the social networking sites in an attempt to restore the broken relationship. In the recent past, researchers hav e reported increased cases of cyber bullying. Interactions over the social networking sites are the basis of most forms of cyber bullying. It involves the use of social networking sites to threaten and embarrass other people. It is a common phenomenon among teens. In adults, such acts are referred to as cyber-harassment or cyber stalking which have legal implications. Research has shown that one in every three teens has been a victim of cyber bullying. The cyber bullies could be classmates or even neighbors. They cause a lot of emotional and psychological stress to the victims. In the extreme cases, the victims may end up committing suicide. The impact is not only on the victims but also on the bullies since they are bound to undergo some form of punishment either within the family or within the institution in question. It is therefore evident that the use of social networking sites has a negative effect on relationships not only within family settings but also within other institut ions/organizations in the society.

Definition and Examples of Cleft Sentences

Definition and Examples of Cleft Sentences In English grammar, a cleft is a construction in which some element in a sentence is moved from its normal position into a separate clause to give it greater emphasis. A cleft is also known as a  cleft sentence, a  cleft construction, and a  cleft clause. A  cleft sentence  is a sentence that is cleft (split) so as to put the focus on one part of it. The cleft sentence is introduced by  it, which is followed by a  verb phrase  whose main verb is generally  be. The focused part comes next, and then the rest of the sentence is introduced by a  relative pronoun, relative  determiner, or  relative adverb. If we take the sentence  Tom felt a sharp pain after lunch, two possible cleft sentences formed from it are  It was Tom who felt a sharp pain after lunch  and  It was after lunch that Tom felt a sharp pain. Take, for example, the simple declarative sentence, Jerry went to the movie yesterday. If you would want to emphasize one element or another, the sentence could be rewritten in several different ways: It was  Jerry  who went to the movie  yesterday.It was to the  movie  that Jerry went  yesterday.It was  yesterday  that Jerry went to the movie.   English has many different varieties of cleft constructions, but the two major types are it-clefts and wh-clefts.  Wh- clefts use  wh words, which is most often what in the construction. However, why, where, how, etc. are also possibilities. Examples and Observations It-Clefts It was only last month that  I decided to go back to school.It was my father who  sent Dyer out to proselyte.  It was my father who  had the blue-ice eye and the beard of gold.It was Roosevelt who impetuously blurted out the unconditional surrender ultimatum at a press conference in Casablanca, to the surprise of Winston Churchill, who was sitting at his side and who had no alternative but to nod approval. Wh-Clefts What I needed was a weapon. Other people, hitchhikers, told me they always carried a little something, a knife or a can of Mace, and Id laughed, thinking there was no greater weapon than the human mind. You idiot.Strange, but  what I really wanted was  a dad who would come down to the police station, ​yell his head off, and then take me home to talk about what happened, to come up with a new plan for how Id act in the future, etc. All the other guys had that. But not me. My dad left me alone in jail for the night. Sources Douglas Biber et al.,  Longman Student Grammar. Pearson, 2002George N. Crocker,  Roosevelts Road to Russia. Regnery, 1959David Crystal,  Making Sense of Grammar. Longman, 2004Zane Gray,  Riders of the Purple Sage, 1912Sidney Greenbaum,  Oxford English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 1996David Sedaris,  Naked. Little, Brown Company, 1997Michael Simmons,  Finding Lubchenko. Razorbill, 2005

Literary Elements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Literary Elements - Essay Example The essay is hereby written to proffer a literary analysis of â€Å"Rain Man† as a movie depicting an exceptional ability to conform and surpass the standards of meeting the holistic requirements for literary excellence in film. For any movie or film to be qualified as good, the following elements must be exceptionally designed: (1) a plot (or the content of the story) that is credible, unified, highly interesting, (2) the quality and choice of casts for the roles are appropriately selected, (3) a particular genre or literary type is clearly depicted, (4) excellent audio visual quality is observed and employed, (5) cinematography (or the structure and form in actual beauty of art) is highly eminent, and (6) moral or message of the story is exuded. Plot The story evolved around Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) who portrayed a self-centered hustler determined to find out the reason why his late father left a substantial inheritance to someone, initially unknown to him but whom he la ter found out to be his autistic brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Their escapades ranged from diversely unique and interesting hostage to cross country saga, to using the extraordinary talents of Raymond in Las Vegas as leverage to regain the fortune. The turning point of the movie was antithetical climax transforming the original selfish intent to heartwarming realizations for Charlie as he discovered sincere and genuine emotions for his brother, he previously was incapable of. Casts and Characters Dustin Hoffman, in his rendition of an autistic individual, won an Oscar award as Best Actor for the movie. Of course, the talent and charisma of Tom Cruise was instrumental in enhancing the performance of Hoffman in the film. In its simplicity in character and roles, the movie was highly effective in arousing the interest of the viewers to determine the climax of the story. Likewise, the movie won four Academy Awards in the following categories, to wit: Best Picture, Best Director, Be st Actor and Best Original Screenplay. Genre, Visual Quality, Cinematic Points of View Generally classified as drama, the film was highly exceptional in creating humorous situations through the bonding being reestablished by Charlie with Raymond. The choice of scenes, costumes, sound tracks, and other set designs contributed to the holistic molding of a unified theme depicting Charlie’s happy-go-lucky character and the mysteriously sublime role portrayed by Raymond, as a naive yet talented man, despite his disabilities. The various awards attested to the prodigious quality of the film meriting the Best Picture from the rest of the films created during that period. Moral of the Story The journey of Charlie with an initial attempt to redeem what he thought was rightfully his, provided the impetus for revealing that blood is indeed thicker than water. Viewers could initially empathize with Charlie in his attempt to get his equitable share of the family fortune. As the story unfo lds, the innocent, sheltered and lonely world familiar to Raymond would transform the viewers’ sentiments to him. The plot and theme were innovatively written to stir emotions and uplift the spirits to unprecedented levels. The ultimate goal of the movie is thereby to enkindle the senses of the viewers to realize that love for one’s family and relationships are far greater than what material things can give. Conclusion A film that

Is Washington Irving an Anti-Feminist Research Paper

Is Washington Irving an Anti-Feminist - Research Paper Example Irving thus became reputable not only in England and America but also internationally. Although criticized by his contemporaries as mere imitator and recycler of antiquated British styles and German tales rather than a creative genius, his innovative style of writing, remarkable use of literary techniques and vivid description of his fictitious characters, notably Rip Van Winkle and Ichabod Crane, in the backdrop of rural America made his short stories leave a deep impression on his readers’ imagination until today. In fact, his famous immemorial short story Rip Van Winkle had become instrumental in the development of modern short story as a distinct American literary art form. (Andrà ©s and Requena 27; Oates 17) He was also ascribed the status of a classic American writer decades before his death. More remarkably, Irving achieved his renown as a writer at a time when literature was perceived in America to be a dangerous profession due to the racial prejudice of the superior British literary establishment; literature in America then was all imported. (Andrà ©s and Requena 26) â€Å"The real risk,† Rubin-Dorsky commented, â€Å"involved in the response of the British literary establishment, which had been merciless in its criticism of American writers, chastising them for their defective taste and brutish manners† (507). In fact, Irving achieved his reputable literary status because he was able to successfully secure the approval of European readers without having to renounce his American identity (Cunliffe 85). Seeing his English readers greatly admiring his works, Irving realized he could boast his American identity through his pen. So, he used his flair in writing to make kn own the American West to the rest of the world, and to pay homage to one of the Founding Fathers and the First President of the United States of America, his namesake, George Washington. (Elliot 171) The above descriptions evidently show how highly

Kant vs Mill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kant vs Mill - Essay Example Kant’s philosophy fundamentally revolves around the deontological ethics. He has presented a philosophy regarding the duty, or moral obligation of an individual. According to Kant, an act can be deemed as appropriate and right if the individual originally did the act considering it as his/her moral obligation. In view of Kant, it is just nothing else but duty that can entitle an act as right (Schwartz). Kant thinks that duty essentially makes the actions morally sound and justified as compared to their maxims. However, maxims can also be right provided that it is possible to universalize them. Unlike Kant, Mill’s visualization of the concept of moral philosophy is fundamentally teleological. He believes in the consequences of actions. As long as they are good, every action is justified. Mill does not pay any regard to the will or intention behind committing an act. To Mill, it is the act’s consequence that matters at the end of the day. Mill says that an act is r ight as long as it gives rise to pleasure or relieves pain. Unlike Kant, Mill’s visualization of the concept of moral philosophy is fundamentally teleological. He believes in the consequences of actions. As long as they are good, every action is justified. Mill does not pay any regard to the will or intention behind committing an act. To Mill, it is the act’s consequence that matters at the end of the day. Mill says that an act is right as long as it gives rise to pleasure or relieves pain.

The importance of realism in British soap opera Essay Example for Free

The importance of realism in British soap opera Essay Corrie, Enders and Brookie are all one. Family Affairs and The Archers are too. These shows are all a part of the great institution known as the British Soap Operas. Originating from when they were U.S. daytime drama programs sponsored by soap manufacturers, they were aimed at 1930s housewives with Opera ironically mocking the storylines that were thought of as being trivial and domestic. Soaps have always remained melodramatic, outrageous and containing high emotional content. They explore the domestic and personal worlds of their characters, which make the audience become more fascinated with the everyday drama of relationships and communities then with apparent serious events such as politics or current affairs. Soaps are mainly revolved around an established location (a street, close, square or an area). Some Soap, such as The Bill and Casualty are known to be occupational soaps, revolving around a workplace. The key factors in Soap are the community places where everyone knows each other making storylines a lot more possible. The Local pub is a place where gossip can be spread fast and enemies cannot avoid one another. Meaning a confrontation (a la Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow) is inevitable providing a worthwhile appearance in soap. A big part of the Soap Operas popularity is realism, which is the dominant mode of representation in Television and Media. The term usually implies that the media text attempts to represent an external reality; Soaps are realistic because it is accurately reproduces the part and culture of the world its referring to. The uses of conventions aid this representation. A series of conventions is used to charm the audience into the world. Locations, narrative structures and mise-en-scene conventions are a few which attract the audience. If everyone in Eastenders drove Mercedes convertibles with the top down in October, it wouldnt match the reality of it happening at the same time in East End London. Whilst still being dramatic, soaps have always connected to their audience using realism. To achieve this the audience should feel the Soap should be set in contemporary setting meaning it should be set in the present day or at least modern times which the audience can recognize. The drama should contain people who the audience can identify with; a character like Phil Mitchell is more believable then someone having superhero powers (think Superman, Buffy). This means the audience are able to believe the characters are real people too, because of their possible human existence. Realism is also constructed by Soaps revolving around the working class, who make up the majority of the audience. Storylines and activities such as popping into the local are believable. These conventions are evident in popular soaps such as Coronation Street (1960-), Eastenders (1985-) and Brookside (1982-2003). Storylines in Soaps make realism more realistic; the social issues conveyed are usually negative. These things that are significant in society and in the news at one time or another, these controversial storylines prompt quick conflicting response. Some issues are long-standing such as alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, abortion, drugs and rape. Soap operas tend to reflect as many social issues as they can, which can be seen as a attempt to educate and support viewers. Often there is a help line number for victims who have suffered the same fate as the character after the episode. The long storyline of Mark Fowler in Eastenders being HIV positive was started in the 80s a time when the disease was being discovered and the show took the issue and proved that the suffering characters are like real people and arent protected by their fictional state. The storyline was followed until Marks eventual death in 2003. This also shows that every single dialogue written in Soaps can influence the future plots. However, some storylines arent so reflective. Weve just seen Dirty Den Watts reappear in EastEnders, despite having died 10years ago. The writers wrote him back in by revisiting the day when his body was dragged out of a river and that cryptically his body wasnt identified. If he had been identified, this storyline wouldnt be gripping 17million viewers currently. Notice that there was no help lines for viewers who have had people come back from the dead, proving that the writers arent using realism to illustrate this storyline. Adding to the realism is the location, many small communities have basic meeting places the shops, pub and repair garage are just a few. This provides the characters with a assembly point where storyline titbits can be exchanged and the viewer more informed. These local public places are magnified in the Soap. Almost every woman in Coronation Street works at Underworld, which would almost never happen in a real street. This unrealistic setting employs the realistic storyline The woman at underworld would be gossiping about a wedding or other storyline that would inform the viewers more detail of the story. The gossiping and bitchy female workplace is also evident in the real world. Also Soap has the proximity of everything being so close to one another. Rita in Coronation Street goes from working all day in a Newsagent to having a night out at the Rovers. Nobody goes very far away. In a Truman Show style it is almost as it the characters do not know of a world outside Weatherfield. Important in adding to the realism is sound. It is always diegetic, like when the train goes past the market stalls in EastEnders. This can make the show seem more real because the 5.35 train to North London has just gone past a busy market. This makes the whole concept more believable. Representation of the characters is also important. East end London is full of different ethnicities, different genders, sexual preference, ages, occupations, incomes and backgrounds and the characters in Eastenders are meant to be a represent society. The more different characters in the Soap, the more authentic it is. Soaps mostly rely on conflict with one another, as do most things; it comes down to Good vs. Bad. Audiences all go through conflict with one another, believing they are right. To have characters do the same provides the audience with a reassurance that everyone disagrees and that conflict is inevitable. There is a disagreement about the value of Soap Opera. Some say Soaps are Junk TV predictable and limited in stimulation of the mind. For others they are examples of realism, reflecting the society they depict by tackling social issues in a dramatic form. Thus, the importance of realism in soap operas is vital to their success. Cemented as their own institution, avid fans can cling onto story lines and events in a bid to relate to scenarios in their life. Although a strong example, the HIV Mark Fowler storyline has the possibility to help and support victims so much that if they actually remembered that Mark Fowler is fictional the story crumbles and they may feel vulnerable and alone. Having the empathy of someone else going through the same can encourage an audience so much that the realistic features found in Soaps should be exact, so the audience can accept the story and relate. To me, it seems anything but trivial and domestic.

Shakespears sounds Essay examples -- Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

There are many benefits as to why plays are used to deliver entertainment rather than an author just writing their story on paper. A play pleases visual and auditory senses, while still delivering an entertaining storyline. Words on a page are simply no match for a play with the â€Å"extras† that come into the making of a play. Quoted to for his plays he wrote Ben Jonson said about William Shakespeare, â€Å"Soule of the Age! The applause! delight! The wonder of our stage!† William Shakespeare is one of the most influential playwrights to have ever existed. He was aware of what could be done on stage through his plays and the different roles that the effects of sound could have in his plays. This is specifically shown in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. In The Tempest the different sounds that are featured throughout the play have a role of their own. Several different sounds are included throughout the play, including thunder, music, and several sounds that are made by the spirit Ariel. The many sounds in Shakespeare’s The Tempest are included to guide the completion of Prospero’s plan of forgiving his enemies. Although the sounds may seem at first as only to be extra text Shakespeare included in his play, with a further in depth look the magnitude of their role can be seen. The most evident of sounds that is seen in the play, happens to be the first text seen in the play. The play opens up with the stage directions, â€Å"On a ship at sea: a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning heard† (I.i.1-2). This was not just filler to start off the play. Shakespeare had a specific purpose as to why he starts off The Tempest in this way. The sound of the thunder in this case literally sets the scene for the entire play. This sound may be arguably... ...tage performances and great number of plays of Shakespeare that are read, one needs to remember to use their imagination while reading Shakespeare. As Mitchell writes in her explanation of Shakespeare’s many sounds throughout his many plays, â€Å"Since sound effects contribute to emotional impact, it is useful to interpret them correctly† (Mitchell 127). It may be possible to argue that The Tempest by William Shakespeare, should add the character â€Å"sound† into the lead role. The influence that the various sounds have throughout the play truly alter the characters paths and cause them to fall deeply into the plan of Prospero. Without sound, the plot of Prospero could not have been completed. William Shakespeare incorporated sound perfectly, again proving his genius as a playwright and giving anyone who reads or watches the play and witty and entertaining plot.