Question
Complete the outline with the writing prompt: Social media is firmly embedded in our society, but there are concerns about its impact on the mental health of children and teens. Should children and/or teens be able to use social media?
Introduction
Hook: How will you catch your reader’s attention?
Background: What is the background behind this issue?
Thesis: State your main claim in third person objective voice. (You MUST take a stance in response to the writing prompt)
Body Paragraph 1
Claim (What is one reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph II
TRANSITION
Claim (What is a second reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph III
Claim (What is a third reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph IV
COUNTERCLAIM (What is (are) reason(s) some people take the opposite stance? “Some people claim that ________; however, ________”)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to show why their stance is incorrect or not a concern)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Conclusion
Restate thesis in different words
Connect the issue to the “bigger picture”-- why is your stance important? Why does this matter? Leave your reader with food for thought
Introduction
Hook: How will you catch your reader’s attention?
Background: What is the background behind this issue?
Thesis: State your main claim in third person objective voice. (You MUST take a stance in response to the writing prompt)
Body Paragraph 1
Claim (What is one reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph II
TRANSITION
Claim (What is a second reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph III
Claim (What is a third reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph IV
COUNTERCLAIM (What is (are) reason(s) some people take the opposite stance? “Some people claim that ________; however, ________”)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to show why their stance is incorrect or not a concern)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Conclusion
Restate thesis in different words
Connect the issue to the “bigger picture”-- why is your stance important? Why does this matter? Leave your reader with food for thought
Introduction
Hook: How will you catch your reader’s attention?
Background: What is the background behind this issue?
Thesis: State your main claim in third person objective voice. (You MUST take a stance in response to the writing prompt)
Body Paragraph 1
Claim (What is one reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph II
TRANSITION
Claim (What is a second reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph III
Claim (What is a third reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph IV
COUNTERCLAIM (What is (are) reason(s) some people take the opposite stance? “Some people claim that ________; however, ________”)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to show why their stance is incorrect or not a concern)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Conclusion
Restate thesis in different words
Connect the issue to the “bigger picture”-- why is your stance important? Why does this matter? Leave your reader with food for thought
Introduction
Hook: How will you catch your reader’s attention?
Background: What is the background behind this issue?
Thesis: State your main claim in third person objective voice. (You MUST take a stance in response to the writing prompt)
Body Paragraph 1
Claim (What is one reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph II
TRANSITION
Claim (What is a second reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph III
Claim (What is a third reason you can give to support your thesis?)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
TRANSITION
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to support)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph IV
COUNTERCLAIM (What is (are) reason(s) some people take the opposite stance? “Some people claim that ________; however, ________”)
Evidence (Provide a direct quote from one of the provided articles to show why their stance is incorrect or not a concern)- remember to provide context to lead into your quote.
Analysis (Explain how this quote supports your claim in 2-3 sentences)
Conclusion
Restate thesis in different words
Connect the issue to the “bigger picture”-- why is your stance important? Why does this matter? Leave your reader with food for thought
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Introduction**
**Hook:** In a world where countless children and teens are more interactive online than they are in person, social media has become a double-edged sword that can either connect or isolate them.
**Background:** With the rise of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, the ability for children and teens to engage with peers and share their lives has never been more accessible. However, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people have sparked debate over whether social media use should be curtailed for this age group.
**Thesis:** Social media use should be restricted for children and teens due to its negative impact on mental health, including exacerbating feelings of inadequacy, increasing exposure to cyberbullying, and disrupting face-to-face interactions.
**Body Paragraph 1**
**Claim:** First, social media often fosters feelings of inadequacy among children and teens, adversely affecting their self-esteem.
**Evidence:** According to a study by the American Psychological Association, "Teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a heightened risk for experiencing mental health issues," indicating that increased exposure correlates with negative feelings about oneself.
**Analysis:** This quote highlights the alarming relationship between excessive social media use and mental health deterioration. When young users constantly compare themselves to idealized representations of others online, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, further exacerbating mental health issues.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** The same report notes that “over 30% of adolescents reported that their social media interactions led to feelings of jealousy and insecurity.”
**Analysis:** This reinforces the claim that social media can distort reality, pushing vulnerable young users into a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. As teens perceive their lives as inferior to those portrayed by their peers online, they may spiral further into anxiety and depression.
**Body Paragraph II**
**TRANSITION**
**Claim:** Secondly, social media is a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which substantially contributes to the mental health crisis among youth.
**Evidence:** A survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that "approximately 37% of children aged 12-17 have been bullied online."
**Analysis:** This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of cyberbullying in the online space. The anonymity afforded by social media platforms often emboldens aggressors, making it easier to harm others without facing immediate consequences. Consequently, victims of cyberbullying are at a higher risk of developing severe anxiety and depression.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** Furthermore, a 2022 article in *Psychology Today* states, “Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to experience a decline in academic performance and higher rates of mental health issues.”
**Analysis:** By connecting academic and mental health struggles, this evidence demonstrates the far-reaching ramifications of cyberbullying. The emotional toll that cyberbullying takes on children and teens can extend beyond social interactions, impacting their overall quality of life and mental stability.
**Body Paragraph III**
**Claim:** Lastly, social media disrupts crucial face-to-face interactions, vital for developing social skills and emotional intelligence.
**Evidence:** The *Journal of Adolescent Health* reports that “Teens who spend more time on social media are less likely to engage in in-person socialization.”
**Analysis:** This highlights how social media can inhibit opportunities for real-world connections. Children and teens develop vital social skills through in-person interactions, and a lack of these experiences can lead to social anxiety and withdrawal from peer interactions, further compounding their mental health struggles.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** Additionally, a study published by the *The Lancet* notes that “the increased reliance on social media can lead to poorer emotional regulation and decreased ability to interpret social cues.”
**Analysis:** This supports the claim by illustrating how social media can hinder critical emotional and social development during a time when those skills are imperative. The inability to read nonverbal cues and navigate face-to-face interactions can create long-lasting challenges in relationships and emotional well-being.
**Body Paragraph IV**
**COUNTERCLAIM:** Some people claim that social media platforms promote social connectivity and provide supportive communities; however, the risks to mental health far outweigh these benefits.
**Evidence:** In their 2022 report, researchers state that “while social media can foster connections, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness when online interactions replace real ones.”
**Analysis:** This quote exemplifies the paradox of social media, where what is intended to connect can also isolate. When children and teens prioritize online interactions over genuine connections, they may ultimately feel more alone, undermining any positive effects that social media could otherwise offer.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the potential harms of social media usage by children and teens—namely, the exacerbation of feelings of inadequacy, the prevalence of cyberbullying, and the disruption of in-person interactions—compel a reevaluation of its role in their lives. This issue matters not just for individual mental health but for the social fabric of future generations. By acknowledging and addressing these risks, society can take significant steps toward safeguarding the emotional well-being of its youth, fostering a healthier environment in which they can thrive.
**Hook:** In a world where countless children and teens are more interactive online than they are in person, social media has become a double-edged sword that can either connect or isolate them.
**Background:** With the rise of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, the ability for children and teens to engage with peers and share their lives has never been more accessible. However, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people have sparked debate over whether social media use should be curtailed for this age group.
**Thesis:** Social media use should be restricted for children and teens due to its negative impact on mental health, including exacerbating feelings of inadequacy, increasing exposure to cyberbullying, and disrupting face-to-face interactions.
**Body Paragraph 1**
**Claim:** First, social media often fosters feelings of inadequacy among children and teens, adversely affecting their self-esteem.
**Evidence:** According to a study by the American Psychological Association, "Teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a heightened risk for experiencing mental health issues," indicating that increased exposure correlates with negative feelings about oneself.
**Analysis:** This quote highlights the alarming relationship between excessive social media use and mental health deterioration. When young users constantly compare themselves to idealized representations of others online, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, further exacerbating mental health issues.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** The same report notes that “over 30% of adolescents reported that their social media interactions led to feelings of jealousy and insecurity.”
**Analysis:** This reinforces the claim that social media can distort reality, pushing vulnerable young users into a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. As teens perceive their lives as inferior to those portrayed by their peers online, they may spiral further into anxiety and depression.
**Body Paragraph II**
**TRANSITION**
**Claim:** Secondly, social media is a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which substantially contributes to the mental health crisis among youth.
**Evidence:** A survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that "approximately 37% of children aged 12-17 have been bullied online."
**Analysis:** This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of cyberbullying in the online space. The anonymity afforded by social media platforms often emboldens aggressors, making it easier to harm others without facing immediate consequences. Consequently, victims of cyberbullying are at a higher risk of developing severe anxiety and depression.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** Furthermore, a 2022 article in *Psychology Today* states, “Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to experience a decline in academic performance and higher rates of mental health issues.”
**Analysis:** By connecting academic and mental health struggles, this evidence demonstrates the far-reaching ramifications of cyberbullying. The emotional toll that cyberbullying takes on children and teens can extend beyond social interactions, impacting their overall quality of life and mental stability.
**Body Paragraph III**
**Claim:** Lastly, social media disrupts crucial face-to-face interactions, vital for developing social skills and emotional intelligence.
**Evidence:** The *Journal of Adolescent Health* reports that “Teens who spend more time on social media are less likely to engage in in-person socialization.”
**Analysis:** This highlights how social media can inhibit opportunities for real-world connections. Children and teens develop vital social skills through in-person interactions, and a lack of these experiences can lead to social anxiety and withdrawal from peer interactions, further compounding their mental health struggles.
**TRANSITION**
**Evidence:** Additionally, a study published by the *The Lancet* notes that “the increased reliance on social media can lead to poorer emotional regulation and decreased ability to interpret social cues.”
**Analysis:** This supports the claim by illustrating how social media can hinder critical emotional and social development during a time when those skills are imperative. The inability to read nonverbal cues and navigate face-to-face interactions can create long-lasting challenges in relationships and emotional well-being.
**Body Paragraph IV**
**COUNTERCLAIM:** Some people claim that social media platforms promote social connectivity and provide supportive communities; however, the risks to mental health far outweigh these benefits.
**Evidence:** In their 2022 report, researchers state that “while social media can foster connections, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness when online interactions replace real ones.”
**Analysis:** This quote exemplifies the paradox of social media, where what is intended to connect can also isolate. When children and teens prioritize online interactions over genuine connections, they may ultimately feel more alone, undermining any positive effects that social media could otherwise offer.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the potential harms of social media usage by children and teens—namely, the exacerbation of feelings of inadequacy, the prevalence of cyberbullying, and the disruption of in-person interactions—compel a reevaluation of its role in their lives. This issue matters not just for individual mental health but for the social fabric of future generations. By acknowledging and addressing these risks, society can take significant steps toward safeguarding the emotional well-being of its youth, fostering a healthier environment in which they can thrive.