Paper #1: Digital Communities and Networks

Paper Guidelines

Your paper should be 4-5 pages in 12-point Times New Roman font or equivalent. Your paper must have a thesis statement with supporting evidence. You should have at least two outside research sources to support your argument, and you should integrate at two to three quotations from those sources to support your argument. As you begin your research and writing, please think of one of the following questions as a way to frame your argument:

1. How have social networking sites brought up issues around privacy? Do you think these sites are in violation of people’s privacy? Why or why not?

2. Some critics of online communities say these spaces encourage anti-social behavior? Do you agree with this criticism? Why or why not?

3. Digital communities have received some attention recently because of fraudulent and/or criminal activities on the sites. Do you think online communities encourage this kind of behavior or make certain behaviors more prevalent?

4. Cyber Neighborhoods have allowed for what some observers call “interactivity” or "convergence culture"—opportunities for participants to mix various media (graphics, video, ARGs). How has interactivity changed the way people communicate and/or view entertainment?

5. Cyber communities have been applauded for democratizing access to information and the dissemination of knowledge. Do you agree that the internet is more democratic? Why or why not?

The first paragraph of your paper will be due Tuesday, October 14. The final draft will be due on Wednesday, October 22.