Problematic Media Use Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Problematic Media Use - Essay Example Alongside this dynamic shift with regards to how society currently operates, a unique issue has been determined and has been labeled by research as problematic Internet usage e (PIU). As a result of researching this particular exhibition to a more profound degree, the following analysis will consider the article entitled, â€Å"An Evaluation of Two Characterizations of the Relationships Between Problematic Internet Use, Time Spent Using the Internet, and Psychosocial Problems†. It is the hope of this author that such analysis will help to shed a degree of light not only with regards the particular article in question, but also with respect to justifying it with some of the other readings that of engaged during the course of this week. One aspect of PIU that the article does not cover in enough depth is with regards to whether or not PIU is entirely dependent upon the exhibition of psychosocial issues. Although it can be appreciated that PIU is an issue that affects a broader a nd broader subset of current society, the fact of the matter is that determining whether or not this is an issue that should concern broader society is ultimately rooted in what the outcomes and side effects of PIU portend (Tokunaga & Rains, 2010). If it is true that PIU is mutually exclusive and cannot exist without the prevalence of psychosocial issues, then the research itself stands solidly upon the framework of delineating a codependent relationship between these. However, if it is the case that PIU can exist to varying degrees without clear and determinate impacts upon psychosocial interaction, the entire rubric and theses of this particular research is undone. Another shortcoming that is evidenced with regards to the research is whether or not correlation equals causation. Although the researchers lay out a definitively well researched piece with regards to whether or not anxiety, depression, and a litany of other psychosocial ills can result from Internet dependency, the rea der/researcher automatically questions whether or not the weekend exhibition of these could merely be exacerbated by the withdrawal from society and increased usage of the Internet as a means of escapism. Naturally, this particular review and analysis piece is neither the time nor the place to discuss whether or not such an alternative theory is indeed more applicable; however, it is worthwhile to note that accepting the theoretical model put forward by the authors of the research piece lens one to categorically accept several inherent weaknesses of the research. This naturally relates to many of the other topics that have thus far been read during the week’s assigned readings. Specifically, an issue of measurement is brought to light with Gibbs et al in their article, â€Å"First Come love, then comes Google: An investigation of uncertainty reduction strategies and self-disclosure in online dating†. The importance of tackling the measurement issues first are of the ut most importance as they lay the groundwork for any possibility of drawing further inference with regards to the research topic at hand. Ultimately, the issue of self-disclosure, as with any psychosocial issue is of a paramount importance. Other articles that helped to discuss the differing nuances of how technological addiction is playing into the lives of the average

Dependant on question picked from below Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Dependant on question picked from below - Essay Example This essay examines masculinity in current society and considers whether it acts as a source of anxiety for men. There are significant differences between the genders in the way that people behave and what is expected of them. For example, it is widely recognised that males and females behave in different ways. Behavioural research has shown that males are more likely to take risks and be competitive than females . Another aspect where behaviour differs is in terms of health beliefs and behaviour that promotes good health. While females respond well to interventions that are designed to improve health, males show strong resistance. These differences are strongly associated with the perception of masculinity . Most considerations of masculinity and femininity begin with the basic assumption that men are one thing and women are something else. They are two opposites, dichotomies, distinct from one another in numerous ways. Traditional perceptions of males and females often consider tha t men are defined as themselves, while women are considered by what they do not have compared to males. Although feminism has made much progression in the area of females being considered inferior, or lacking, there is still an underlying notion that males and females are distinct from one another . How valid is this assumption? Biologically men and women are distinct from one another (with a few exceptions that are the result of chromosomal abnormalities), but does this difference in physical characteristics correspond to distinct sexual identities, one for each gender? The standard formula is for two distinct identities. On average, most men behave in a manner that is considered to be male or masculine. They wear pants, they do not wear makeup, most do not show emotions and a large number exhibit a rugged demeanour where they attempt to be strong. Likewise, women tend to be different. However, there are many people in society for whom these traditional images of males and females do not explain their behaviour patterns. For example, transsexuals are of one distinct physical gender, but behave as if they are the opposite. This is most commonly recognised in males, such as men who dress in female clothing and wear makeup . There are less extreme examples of this also. Some men are highly emotional, while others focus strongly on clothing or skin appearance, in a way that is more strongly associated with females. Therefore, within modern society, there are many different images of gender, from the typical perceptions of male and female, to those that do not conform to the recognised ‘rules’. What is masculinity in this context? Does it still exist, or are gender perceptions so fluid that there is no distinction between male and female gender identities. To understand this, it is important to first consider the concepts of masculinity and femininity and how these are perceived in modern society. Masculinity As a concept, masculinity can be difficult to define, as it means different things to different people, and it is an idea that continues to change and grow. A typical male of the 1960s is very little like the typical male of the modern era. Furthermore, the presence of people who defy gender boundaries