Please write an essay where you develop at least two specific ideas or proposals in response to the following essay prompt:
One of the biggest problems confronting modern Americans is the so-called “information bubble” – the idea that people can use the technology that they have to filter out what they don’t want to see, exposing them to biased reports and leaving them totally ignorant of some subjects. (Example: If I’m a Democrat and only read news aimed at Democrats, I’m receiving only biased material I’m likely to agree with; likewise, if I filter out breaking stories and international news in favor of only seeing sports and entertainment I won’t have any idea what’s going on in the country or the world at large.) Given that technology is only becoming more prevalent and information easier to filter, what steps would you propose to increase American information literacy?
Use sources to support your ideas, and please remember that your solutions should be as realistic and practical as possible – things that could be done, even if they aren’t happening right now, as opposed to impossible solutions that rely on technology that doesn’t currently exist. For example, you could propose updating media filtering software to be less prone to reinforcing user bias as that technology currently exists, but you could not base your solution on the government handing out headbands that read peoples’ minds and prevent them from absorbing false information as that technology does not exist.+
+While that idea would make a fun sci-fi short story, fiction is not the assignment I’m afraid.
Standard Essay Rules
Essays should be at least five paragraphs, and roughly 500 words.
Cite quotes and information from outside sources. Use MLA format.
A works cited entry is required for each outside source used. Use MLA format.
Stay on topic! Essays that are too vague, spend too much time discussing unrelated issues, or seem roughly adapted from other work or topics will not do well.
Note: Make sure you check the due date, which is distinct from the last possible date you can submit the essay – late essays are penalized 10% per day.
