Writing Homework Help

In “The Empathy Diaries,”Sherry Turkle analyzes the effects of a loss of empathy, and

considers the extent to which conversations offer a way to push back against that loss. 

Maria Konnikova similarly analyzes the ways in which technology has affected our
relationships. Konnikova has concerns that our use of technology and social media may
be diminishing our Dunbar Number, and our ability to create intimate, real connections
with each other For this assignment, you will apply the arguments by Turkle and
Konnikova in order to analyze the effects of technology on intimacy. Using specific
concepts and details from “The Empathy Diaries” and “The Limits of Friendship,”
write an essay in which you analyze the effect of technology and/or social media
on intimacy. Are there aspects of online friendships Konnikova doesn’t appreciate (that
you do)? How do children learn how to be social? Why does that matter? What role can
or should technology plan in our everyday lives? How does social media affect our
ability to empathize with each other? What does it mean to always be connected?

Further questions to help you explore:
Questions for further consideration (use these to help you brainstorm; you should not try
to answer every question):
? What is the relationship between technology and intimacy? In what ways does
technology help and hinder intimacy? Are there places online where you can be
more authentic? Is our online presence always curated? Why might that matter?
? Who is the target audience of these essays? What do these authors hope to
convince us of? In what ways do their ideas work together to make a
commentary on the ever increasing role of technology in our lives?
? What is the Dunbar Number? Is this a valid way of looking at relationships? Why
or why not?
? What does intimacy have to do with empathy? Connection?

Both readings: https://e-reader-frontend.macmillanlearning.com/?r…

https://e-reader-frontend.macmillanlearning.com/?r…