Introduction
People are different, and each has unique qualities, yet it seems common for many individuals to wish to be someone else. I aspire to become a finer person than I am now, and the proposals of such historical figures as Plato, Martin Luther King Jr., and Hegel can assist in determining how to enhance my character. In his Allegory of the Cave, Plato suggests how people perceive the world and discusses the matters of intelligence and education. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), in his The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life, concerns the essence of existence based on the concepts of length, height, and breadth. Georg Hegel’s dialectic of the master and the slave debates the relationship between the two and one’s conscious. By combining practical conclusions from MLK, Plato, and Hegel, I can construct a precise image of the self that I strive to become in order to make a difference in the world.
Anticipatory Perception: How to Make a Difference
One can argue that Hegel’s dialectic can be interpreted in many ways, whether viewing the master and the slave as two different persons or as two inner identities of a distinct individual. In the latter case, the enslaver would represent someone’s current character, which is rather unfavorable, and the captured would reflect the desired personality. Although many people wish to change and advance, the majority have certain features that prevent them from developing. Each individual’s internal master does not want the interior slave to obtain freedom and overshadow the one in power, thus leaving people with their negative qualities and unaccomplished desires. Consequently, the first aspect of the self I aspire to become is the ability to challenge myself not to live in conformity with such traits as laziness, impatience, or pessimistic thinking.
Furthermore, considering that Hegel’s master-slave controversy can be regarded as a connection between two separate individuals, the dialectic can signify how those in leading positions should and should not treat their disciples. Despite holding power, the enslaver depends on the servant’s existence and work, thus making the former dependent on the latter. Moreover, the enslaved has the freedom to recognize the master’s authority or deny it. Another characteristic of my desired self is the ability to lead people, and although I am not trying to compare my possible followers to those in captivity, Hegel’s dialectic suggests how I should direct. I understand that individuals to whom I may be superior are important and have the power to acknowledge my management and perform according to whether they accept me or not. Therefore, I strive to be a leader who has trustworthy and respectful relationships with subordinates.
While Hegel presents the perceptions of the master and the slave, Plato proposes how the world is viewed by those who come out of the dark cave to see sunlight for the first time. The philosopher states that people who live in the darkness see nothing but shadows and compares a person’s journey out of the cage to the ascent toward intelligence. Plato implies that such a climb is not easy, as the process of evolving can be painful, and one is likely to be inclined to return to what is familiar. However, Plato suggests that each soul has the capacity to learn, but education should be gradual. Accordingly, another aspect of the self I wish to become is remembering that knowledge reveals new perspectives, so I must always endeavor to obtain information about the world in order to evolve.
As I aspire to make a difference, I anticipate that my efforts may impact a considerable number of people. Therefore, the desire to seek intelligence can hopefully benefit me and those around me. Nonetheless, Plato proposes that individuals who have ascended to see the sun must eventually return to the cave and share labors and honors with persons who remain in the darkness. Someone with education and authority must spread happiness to all people rather than concentrating on making one group happier than the rest. Plato proclaims that everyone must benefit from each other and that society must prosper as a unit. Thus, instead of separating from the masses, those who have power should join the public in overcoming struggles. Accordingly, I wish to be a person who helps others succeed by connecting people and guiding them towards advancement.
Out of the three aforementioned historical figures, Martin Luther King Jr. suggests what actions one should take to evolve into a better version of themselves. In particular, MLK states that the concept of length represents an individual’s healthy and rational self-interest that concerns the development of one’s inner powers. MLK proposes that people must accept who they are, their strengths, and their weaknesses to beneficially utilize every quality. Consequently, those who acknowledge their personalities can discover their purposes and begin striving for finer results by learning that all labor, whether influential or not, has dignity. Accordingly, I aspire to know and remember who I am and what my objectives are to move forward during difficult times. I suppose that the longing to accept myself may seem contradictory to the above discussion of challenging myself. However, I wish to be able to recognize my potencies and shortcomings, so I can employ the former and contain the latter from preventing the pursuit of my goals.
Someone who acknowledges their identity becomes capable of caring for others. In addition to length, MLK presents the concept of breadth that reflects one’s concern for the welfare of humanity. MLK states that people must help each other as everyone is connected, and if an individual has something, it is because someone else has provided it. Therefore, when making a decision, a person must think of what would happen to those around them as a result of that choice. Thus, another aspect of the self I strive to become is being mindful and considering how my behavior and actions may affect people.
In his sermon, MLK claims that the concept of height is associated with the belief in God. MLK suggests that regardless of being religious or not, people often forget about the presence of God due to being too involved in such materialistic things as having a beautiful house or a car. Accordingly, such individuals are likely to be concerned with their comfort rather than regarding diverse aspects of perceiving the world. I wish to be a person who can truly enjoy life by being interested in something above mere material possessions.
Conclusion
To summarize, the analysis of the discussions of MLK, Plato, and Hegel helped me formulate who I should aspire to become to make a difference. In the future, I imagine myself pursuing a precise goal due to knowing and accepting my strengths and weaknesses. I hope that I will be capable of utilizing my potencies and challenging my inner master responsible for my shortcomings. I anticipate that my actions will place me in a leading position, and as a superior, I will strive to be trustworthy and respectful of my followers. I wish to remain mindful of those around me and remember my interdependence with them. The self I desire to become is an educated and conscious individual who joins society in opposing hardships and acts on behalf of all people.
Negative Effects Of Using Cell Phones And The Internet During Social Interactions
Introduction
The use of the internet and cell phones has significantly changed people’s level of interaction. Smartphone users connect to their family and friends through social media websites. Although phones make it easy to communicate with people from a distance, they reduce face-to-face interactions. The extensive use of cell phones has made people dependent on virtual communication. Face-to-face conversations are no longer deeper and connective. Indeed, social media notifications tend to interrupt a decent conversation between two people. These are among many other negative effects covered in this paper. Although the use of cell phones and the internet keeps users connected and interactive, it adversely affects the users through communication skills, quality of conversations, the strength of relationships, and mental health, among many others.
Reduced Physical Communication Skills
Smartphone users may grow dependent on online communications thus decreasing the level of empathy. Friends who are used to chatting for long hours on WhatsApp or Facebook may be least connected when they meet face to face. Online conversations make interaction easier because while people can connect from far worlds, they can also use expressive tools within their conversations. For example, WhatsApp users often use emojis to express their feelings during a conversation. However, when they meet face to face, the phone users lack a deeper emotional connection. According to Suttie, 89% of Americans said they checked their phones during face-to-face interactions, and 82% said the conversation deteriorated thereafter. The act of constantly reacting to phone notifications or calls interrupts the physical conversation. It also disrupts a certain level of empathy needed for a deeper and more emotional connection. Furthermore, smartphone users have reduced chances of using body language, which contributes to better communication skills. The users have divided attention, thus ignoring the use of gestures and eye contact, and may miss their partners’ body language as well.
Provides Low-Quality Conversations
The use of the internet and cell phone for social interactions reduces the quality of ideas people exchange. During phone calls or message conversations, individuals are often interrupted by different concepts. Cell phones are critical because they help the users to deliver urgent information to intended receivers. However, the quality of information cannot match one that might be delivered physically. While adding the argument, Louisa says, “during messaging conversations, the chatting smartphone users do not mind being interrupted” (Wright). Thus, an idea that was intended to be discussed in deeper and longer periods might be cut short by another introduced by the other partner. Furthermore, people replace phone conversations with physical meetings and thus may never speak about important ideas contributing to their lives. Cell phone users are also likely to pass unconfirmed or incorrect information to their friends and families. Misinformation, especially regarding close friends and family members, could cause disputes. Close friends may also want to limit the things they talk about on the phone to avoid privacy issues.
Promotes Isolation and Depression
The use of cell phones can be addictive, thus promoting isolation and depression. Smartphone users, especially teenagers, choose to spend most of their free time on social media. Social media platforms are a source of different types and levels of entertainment that may attract teenagers. Through these platforms, the young people also connect with their schoolmates and peers, thus staying informed. However, excessive use of these Media eliminates the need for physical socializing. According to Wright, most teenagers spend at least seven hours on their smartphones every day in the US. During these hours, the young generation isolates themselves from all people. If left unsupervised, they are likely to spend all seven hours closed in their rooms. Such a level of isolation reduces their socially interactive skills and eliminates close friends.
General addicted smartphone users often suffer from depression, anxiety, and loneliness. A great number of adults, too, choose to stay indoors with their cell phones and internet instead of going out to meet their peers. Cell phones are surely important in people’s interactive lives but should not replace their chances of living in the real world. According to Wright, students who use their phones most report high levels of anxiety, loneliness, isolation, and depression. Loneliness is associated with the decision to replace face-to-face interaction with online communication. In general, addicted phone users are more likely to multitask by watching their favorite content while doing their duties and exhausting their minds and becoming anxious (Wright). Loneliness and a high level of anxiety, alongside other online effects such as bullying, lead to depression. Teenagers without friends easily get ,low self-esteem hence also becoming depressed.
Weakens Bonds of Relationships
The use of cell phones and the internet is also associated with weak relationship bonds. Different relationships, whether family, friends, or even romantic, are adversely affected by excessive use of smartphones (Witte). Cell phones are critical in building relationships because users can ensure that their families and friends are well through distant conversations. However, using phones during family or friends’ meetings can reduce the intended quality of time. Family gatherings are set to let the loved ones spend quality time, connect, educate, and love each other. Such meetings might or might not be productive for all the attendees. People who keep their cell phones at arm’s length barely concentrate on any activity or conversation. A counseling and guidance department expert said that phubbing makes people unable to connect with their peers (Witte). Phubbing is the act of constantly checking the phone and answering calls and messages while having a physical conversation (Witte). Although such acts seem harmless, researchers say that phubbing weakens the relationship bonds between people. For example, a friend who keeps phubbing may feel boring and seem to have no time for others.
The use of cell phones during romantic meetings may change the status of relationships. Romantic partners have the advantage of connecting at all times using phones and the internet. However, when they meet, the use of a phone might seem offensive and could trigger conflict. Some romantic partners might meet but may not connect as expected because they are often on their phones (Witte). If both of the meeting parties keep checking their phones, they lessen the quality of their interactions. Excessive use of cell phones and the internet has caused significant effects on marriages and romantic relationships. Partners who are always on the phone might be suspected of cheating or lacking commitment. Smartphones are known for the speedy delivery of messages, especially through calls and chats. However, such speed could create unrealistic expectations that can destroy romantic relationships. Partners in committed relationships expect their counterparties to answer calls and messages instantly. Consequently, delayed messages and calls weaken or break the bond of the relationship. Such behaviors are, however reported in young people in new relationships. Older people are more patient but still find phubbing disturbing.
Insomnia and other Related Health Conditions
Cell phones and internet users frequently suffer from insomnia and other mental health issues. A high number of smartphone users are also likely to carry their phones to their beds. People with busy lifestyles lack time to catch up with social media updates during the day (Pop). They, therefore, substitute their relaxing time for the same, especially when in bed. Although it is important to stay informed and entertained, using phones in bed could disrupt sleeping patterns. For example, a person who goes to bed at 10 pm might use their phones up to 1 am. Sleeping late might, in return, affect the time such people wake up. While others get late for work, some might end up missing significant appointments. The mind disruption caused by the use of a phone at night may also cause insomnia in some people. If a user often sleeps late while using the phone, trying to sleep early may be difficult.
Excessive use of cell phones and the internet can affect brain functioning and mental state. A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that at least 6500 people aged 12 to 15 in the US spent more than three hours a day on social media, heightening the risk of mental health problems (Lehman). Another England study found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and general well-being amongst teenagers (Lehman). Teenagers are found to overuse their brains on social media thus losing concentration in school. Poor concentration is a crucial factor related to poor school performance. High school students who spend most of their free time on online social interactions pay less attention in class (Lehman). Their level of brain functioning is also reduced while in class. In adults, increased brain functioning triggered by the high absorption of social media content could lead to headaches and stress. Adults also, with high use of cell phones and the internet, find it hard to concentrate on their work.
Peer Pressure and Unrealistic View of Life
Social interactions triggered by phones and the internet could cause peer pressure and unrealistic life perception. Social media users are exposed to people with better lifestyles than theirs. At times, young people act under pressure to live the same lifestyle. According to Pop, most social media users host expensive birthday parties out of peer pressure. Young people want to record their lifestyles just because they see peers doing so on social media. Such type of pressure also makes the users live unrealistic life. Poor people and those who cannot afford the expensive lifestyle displayed on Instagram may find life unfair. Indeed, they may feel worthless, unwanted and could have low self-esteem. Such people may tend to think that all other people are rich and are living better lives compared to theirs. Having unrealistic perceptions about life increases the level of stress and could lead to depression.
Conclusion
The use of cell phones and the internet causes adverse effects on the users. Reduced communication skills, low-quality conversations, weakened relationship bonds, and mental health issues are among many negative effects. Teenagers are mostly affected by the use of smartphones and the internet. Reasonable physical interactions have been replaced by online connections, reducing the number of friends. Insomnia caused by the use of phones in bed affects young and older people equally.
Works Cited
Lehman, Charles F. “Are Smartphones and Social Media Hurting Our Kids?” Institute for Family Studies, Web.
Pop, Daniel. “The Impact of Mobile Technology in Our Lives.” Mobiversal, 2022.
Suttie, Jill. “How Phones Compromise Our Ability to Connect.” Greater Good, 2019.
Witte, Melissa D. “Phones are Making People More, Not Less, Social, Researcher Says.” Phys Org, 2020, Web.
Wright, Louisa. “Disconnected: How Phones Affect Our Relationships.” DW, 2021.
Advertising & The Obsession With Thinness
Ethos, logos, and pathos are integral and essential components of a rhetorical appeal. They are all responsible for different aspects. Thus, logos is responsible for the expediency and logic of the arguments and information given, while pathos is responsible for the emotional component. The main goal of ethos becomes an appeal to the status, which contributes to the formation of trust and loyalty of people. The first source does an excellent job of bringing arguments proving the magnitude of the negative impact of advertising on young girls’ self-esteem. In addition to data, images also help in transmission, which serves to achieve greater involvement and trust of the public.
Jean Kilbourne’s video provides a well-grounded and well-structured insight into the problem of the influence of the image of skinny models on advertising posters on the self-perception of women. A valuable thought can also be considered how the unhealthy emphasis of advertising companies connects thinness and bad habits (Challenging Media, n.d.). It is also worth noting that with regard to kairos and context, modern viewers can perceive this video positively since the problem discussed in it is still relevant. Despite the strengthening of concepts such as diversity and inclusion, there are still a large number of advertising companies using slim women for promotion.
The underlying thought in Jean Kilbourne’s speech, which is also pursued in Ashley Graham’s speech, is the negative impact of society’s standards for women. Thus, the modern speaker supports the opinion about the harmful influence of public views about the norm for the female body and what belongs to the “plus size” category (TEDx Talks, n.d.). My personal reaction was positive when viewing the data from two sources, as I can relate to the message, since being a female means that society tries to impose the unhealthy standards on me and my body. I believe they have significantly incorporated all three aspects of the rhetorical appeal, and I find them persuasive. Moreover, I can add that context or age of Kilbourne’s videos does not affect my receptivity to her message due to the relevance of the topic the author is discussing.
References
Challenging Media. (n.d.). Slim hopes: Advertising & the obsession with thinness [Video]. YouTube.
TEDx Talks. (n.d.). Plus-size? More like my aize | Ashley Graham | TEDxBerkleeValencia [Video]. YouTube.