You will find 5 debate questions with two position options each below. For this discussion board, you will take both positions in one of the questions and then debate other classmates on their positions. 

Example Debate Question: Is technology a catalyst or hindrance to social change?

Position A: Argue that technology plays a significant role in accelerating social change by providing platforms for communication, mobilization, and access to information.

Position B: Argue that technology creates barriers to social change, such as social isolation, privacy concerns, and reinforcing existing power structures.

For this discussion, you would first need to clearly define social change and technology as it pertains to each position. Then list several (I like three) examples on how technology as you defined it helps or hinders social change as you defined it. 

What to do: You will choose one debate question from below and argue both sides. This is regardless of how you feel about this particular topic. You will spend about 150 words on each side justifying your positions using the lecture notes, mini lectures, or academic sources. You will cite both in-text and a works cited section. If you do not cite your sources, or if you use no sources, you will receive a 0 on this assignment.

• Next, find a classmate who chose a different question than you did, read both sides, and then post your opinion. You will use their argument to justify yours. This needs to be deeper than “I agree with you” or “I really liked how you said this.” You will do this two times, so there should be a total of at least 3 posts. I am looking for quality over quantity here though, so keep that in mind as you complete these assignments. 
• Discussion Board dos:
• Meet the minimum requirements. This should go unsaid, but you should post at least 3 times. The word count minimum should also be met for each post.

Your initial responses where you take and justify your positions should be completed before midnight on the due date listed (midnight on Tuesday).

Your two debate responses to classmates should be completed after the due date but before the end of the week (midnight on Thursday). This format allows everyone to set a position first and then come back to have choices for debating.

Type directly into the text box. Do not upload an attachment!

Important: title your discussion board. At the top of your post, you should type the question you chose. Then title each of your sections/positions accordingly. This makes it easier for everyone to find your position quickly.

Discussion Board don’ts:

Personal experiences are not evidence for a position. Just because you have had a particular experience does not make it a universal truth. Use lecture notes, minilectures, and/or academic sources to justify your positions.

Absolutely no ad-hominem attacks. These will not be tolerated. Just because you disagree with someone, doesn’t mean you get to attack them as a person. Your post will be deleted, and you will receive a 0 on this assignment if there are any instances of this(name calling for example). You will also be referred to the disciplinary board if it is repeated or if there are direct threats made.

1. Do not post all three of your responses on the same day. Follow my guidelines (found in the do’s section).
2. Do not attach files of your writing (i.e. word documents/PDFs). No one will read them (I have learned from experience). See #4 in the do’s list.
3. Don’t forget to cite your academic sources correctly. If there are no sources cited, you will receive a 0 on this assignment. 
4. Discussion board posts cannot be late. That is, if you wait until after the due date to post your two positions on the chosen question, your posts will not be graded. 
5. For a shot at full credit:

Post your initial positions for one of the 5 questions with justification before the due date.

Meet minimum length requirements.

1. Come back after the due date and post rebuttals to two classmates.
2. Notes:
3. I use SafeAssign to check for plagiarism, so make sure you cite, use quotations, and provide a works cited page as appropriate.
4. I use CopyLeaks to check for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I understand that no software is 100%, but this one is the best out there as of this course.
5. Debate Questions:

Debate 3: Social Media and Isolation

Question: Does the rise of social media connect people globally or contribute to social isolation and shallow relationships?

Opposing Opinions:

1. Connecting people: Social media allows individuals to connect across borders and share experiences, fostering global awareness.
2. Social isolation: Excessive reliance on social media can lead to shallow relationships, reduced face-to-face interactions, and feelings of isolation.