General assignment #25181

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User_7676 added on 10/26/15 at 05:50 AM (PST):

Directions for Kolbert, Gladwell, Johnson

For each essay, first write a one-paragraph summary that includes the essays main points and evidence.

Then, write a journal of 250 words or more that responds to the essays argument(s).

Kolbert
Kolbert puts forth an argument about group polarization and disinformation on the Internet. After she sets up the problem, she explains what other researchers and writers have proposed concerning the problem. Do you agree with this authors assessment of the current condition of the Internet? Why or why not?

Gladwell
Gladwell puts forth an argument about whether true social and political activism can take place through the use of Internet social media. He also explains the differences between what he calls strong ties and weak ties. Do you tend to agree or disagree with his views about the strengths and weaknesses of social media for enacting change?

Johnson
Johnson argues that the US is looking at the wrong information when it tries to assess exactly how well your generation reads, writes, and learns. Looking at the information he uses from sources and the ways he analyzes that information, do you tend to agree or disagree with his conclusions. Why or why not?