Argumentative research essay structure and techniques

¶ … technological advancements over the years, the way human beings communicate has changed tremendously. Today, email, texting, social media, online chatting, and video calling, are common methods of communication. Nonetheless, while electronic communication has made communication faster and more fascinating, the downsides cannot be ignored. Indeed, electronic communication has increasingly threatened in-person or direct human interaction as people ever more desire to interact online. More importantly, electronic communication has contributed to reduced self-esteem, cyber bullying, and loneliness. These negative consequences constitute the focus of this essay.

One of the major disadvantages of electronic communication according to Roxby is the negative impact it has on self-image, with young people being the most affected. Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Snapchat and other popular social networks are now common platforms of communication. Through these platforms, users can post and share as much content as they desire in a day. Broadly speaking, social media users post content, mostly in form of images, to celebrate or show pride in their body, spouses, partners, every day experiences, and achievements. People will often post images showcasing their perfect bodies, their flawless skin tones, their newly acquired attire, a fancy destination they travelled to, their recently acquired car, their elegant house, and so forth. In other words, virtually everyone on social media is in the business of impressing other people.

For individuals without the seemingly ideal life depicted on social media, such content may lower their self-esteem or self-image. For instance, comparing themselves with what they see on social media, some people may start seeing their body shape as imperfect, consequently resorting to attempts to look like everyone else. Indeed, as noted by Roxby, the demand for cosmetic surgery has increased substantially since 2008, with younger people increasingly seeking to gain more appealing physical looks. People may also start living a life of deception -- e.g. taking unnecessary loans, engaging in extravagance, and moving to houses they really cannot afford -- just to impress others. Regrettably, much of the content people post on social media is usually far from realistic. For example, with filters, people can now make their images on social media appear finer than in real life. On the whole, the desire to fit in may have negative psychological impacts on an individual, such as depression and image anxiety, a clear indication of how electronic communication can deteriorate mental health. It is important for individuals to accept who they are regardless of what everyone else thinks.

Electronic communication has also led to cyber bullying. According to LaMotte, cyber bullying affects not only teenagers, but also college students. With social media, individuals are now exposed to all manner of messages, including demeaning and intimidating texts. As electronic communication offers anonymity or virtual communication, some people have a tendency of harassing others through offensive comments. Cyber bullying occurs in instances such as heartbreaks, unwanted sexual advances, illness, family difficulties, and financial problems. In the online environment, people experiencing such misfortunes face the risk of cyber bullying. Cyber bullies may also attack a victim's physical appearance, background, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, and behaviour.

For victims, cyber bullying can have adverse psychological outcomes. Indeed, cases of cyber bullying ending in suicide are not uncommon (LaMotte). Due to cyber bullying, victims may experience, stress and depression, ultimately developing suicidal thoughts. Other people may resort to substance abuse. For others, cyber bullying may increase the risk for aggression, hostility, and criminal behaviour. This further shows how electronic communication can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Cyber bullying affects not only victims, but also bullies. As demonstrated in a survey of 265 female college students, bullies are four times more likely to suffer depression compared to non-bullies (LaMotte). Bullies also face a greater risk for substance abuse. The reason why bullies experience psychological and behavioural issues just like their victims could be related to guilt. In other words, in as much as bullies gain some gratification by bullying others, they eventually feel guilty for inflicting harm on others.