Is Facebook Making You Mean Analysis

In “Is Facebook Making You Mean?” an article by Lauren Tarshis, the author questions whether the negative characteristics of Facebook on children actually outweighs the positive aspects of social media. The author writes using different styles to both emphasize the important information and also to hold the interest of the intended audience. She begins by telling the story of a young girl named Anna who didn’t think through the words that she commented on another girl’s Facebook post and though not intentionally malicious, deeply hurt the receiver of those words. Tarshis immediately recognizes the opposition as she goes on to discuss the impact of those words not only in Anna’s case but also in the hundreds of similar scenarios that happen nearly every day. She then continues with the topic as she discusses both the positive and negative impact that Facebook has on the younger generation. Finally, Tarshis presents her own personal argument showing that social media can actually be extremely beneficial, especially to those who might have trouble being social in the physical world. She also recognizes the need for and
The underlying solution to the issue which Tarshis is pressing is here is that if the facts and examples are looked at objectively, progress might be made towards finding solutions for the cyberbullying problems and children could be taught to think before they speak, or in this case comment something that could emotionally harm another student. Tarshis sums this point up with the simple sentence “Bottom line: think before you post. (168)” She sums the whole article up with another simple little sentence, putting additional emphasis on those words to show that the two worlds, virtual/social media, and reality, were joined in that moment: “In person.