Running head: FORMAL OUTLINE 1 FORMAL OUTLINE Topic: Formal Outline Student Name Institution Introduction Social media is one of the outcomes of internet technology; it can be defined as a platform where people exchange social stuff such as pictures and messages. Currently there are various social media sites such as face book, twitter and 2go, which are competing to share the thirsty populations. Social media platforms are gaining popularity because of their warm informality, convenience and the fact that they do not have so many requirements to enter. Well this informality is the undoing of the social media. Within the short time it has been around, it has had a huge impact on society (negative and positive). However, the negative influences seem to be taking over the positive ones. I consider social media as a social problem rather than a personal problem because it is affecting large number of people across the globe and age limits all at the same moment (Megat I, 2009). This source will be used as the thread throughout the outline since it presents the two sides of the problem. Sociology-this is the study of human social behavior, its origins, developments, its organizations and the institutions. It looks at how people interact and how issues of social stratification influence their interactions. An American sociologist, Charles Mills to describe the awareness of relationship between experience and the wider society, coined sociological imagination. It is an understanding that some things we do (think social in this case) have outcomes. The above two terms relate to the impact of social media to the society in that, it is a study of social human behavior and it has some outcomes manifested in the larger society. Problem statement Social media is having a negative impact on the youth in the society. Literature review Megat (2009), a director of licensing department in the United States of America (SKMM) explores the impact of the social media. He analyses how the internet developed socially from the Email, websites and into social networks. According to him internet, internet is all over and accessible to anyone and hence accessing social media networks is no challenge as well. He explores the expansion of internet from business application initially to the current social burst. People are now flocking various social medial for relationships. However, social media is gaining economic and political importance apart from its traditional social functions. In his study, he explores the social, economic and political functions the social media is assuming. For instance, businesses are using social media to advance their sales while politician are advancing their political courses through social networks (ProCon.org, 2011). He too has explored the negative impact the social media is having on the society especially to the youth. The social media with time, according to him may constitute a major economic cost as mo.

1. Running head: FORMAL OUTLINE 1
FORMAL OUTLINE
Topic: Formal Outline
Student Name
Institution
Introduction
Social media is one of the outcomes of internet technology; it
can be defined as a platform where people exchange social stuff
such as pictures and messages. Currently there are various
social media sites such as face book, twitter and 2go, which are

2. competing to share the thirsty populations. Social media
platforms are gaining popularity because of their warm
informality, convenience and the fact that they do not have so
many requirements to enter. Well this informality is the undoing
of the social media. Within the short time it has been around, it
has had a huge impact on society (negative and positive).
However, the negative influences seem to be taking over the
positive ones. I consider social media as a social problem rather
than a personal problem because it is affecting large number of
people across the globe and age limits all at the same moment
(Megat I, 2009). This source will be used as the thread
throughout the outline since it presents the two sides of the
problem.
Sociology-this is the study of human social behavior, its
origins, developments, its organizations and the institutions. It
looks at how people interact and how issues of social
stratification influence their interactions.
An American sociologist, Charles Mills to describe the
awareness of relationship between experience and the wider
society, coined sociological imagination. It is an understanding
that some things we do (think social in this case) have
outcomes.
The above two terms relate to the impact of social media to the
society in that, it is a study of social human behavior and it has
some outcomes manifested in the larger society.
Problem statement
Social media is having a negative impact on the youth in the
society.
Literature review
Megat (2009), a director of licensing department in the United
States of America (SKMM) explores the impact of the social
media. He analyses how the internet developed socially from the
Email, websites and into social networks. According to him
internet, internet is all over and accessible to anyone and hence
accessing social media networks is no challenge as well. He
explores the expansion of internet from business application

3. initially to the current social burst. People are now flocking
various social medial for relationships. However, social media
is gaining economic and political importance apart from its
traditional social functions.
In his study, he explores the social, economic and political
functions the social media is assuming. For instance, businesses
are using social media to advance their sales while politician
are advancing their political courses through social networks
(ProCon.org, 2011). He too has explored the negative impact the
social media is having on the society especially to the youth.
The social media with time, according to him may constitute a
major economic cost as more people become addicted to the
social media (Megat, 2009).
Neelamalar & Chitra (2009) conducts research on the effects of
the social media on a chosen social group in India. In
comparison to Megat analyses, their research is weakened as it
only focuses on one group in the whole country. The youth are
the most affected by the social media but the society is also
influence (Neelamalar & Chitra, 2009).Megat exploration is of
great advantage and it will benefit scholars and other interested
parties with adequate, organized and well-researched
information. While Megat analysis of social media and its
impact, is focused on the wider society, Neelamalar & Chitra
analysis is focused on some section (youth) and hence limited in
focus (Neelamalar & Chitra, 2009).
Data and methods
The data collection method applied in this research is
interviews; the interviews will be conducted, through emails,
social media as well as through questionnaires (Bryfonski,
2012). A sample of the population (youth and adults will be
used). It is deemed that a sample (which is representative of
course) will offer convenience of the research, not to mention
that it will significantly lower the research cost. However, just
as it is, sample and as much as it is representative, it cannot
capture all aspects of the populations and this constitutes is
major disadvantage (Bryfonski, 2012).

4. Theory
Functionalism theory looks at the society as a complex structure
resulting from its complex parts and as such, the outcomes in
the society are net results of interaction of all those parts (Lauer
& Handel, 1977). The theory of social conflict emphasizes the
fact that society is made up of social classes. Therefore,
outcomes in the society are as a result of struggle between these
classes. On the other hand, symbolic interactionism is a social
framework within, which people interact and accord symbolic
meaning to some items or events as they interact. My social
problem relates more to symbolic interactionism theory because
with the social media society has become a world of symbolism
in interactions. Various social media networks and interactions
are laden with symbolism (Lauer & Handel, 1977).
The social media is having negative impact on youth in the
society. Despite its apparent advantages, the social and
economic costs seem to be taking toll. Going forward therefore,
there need to be policy frameworks to regulate the use of social
media among the young people. Otherwise, we risk having a
generational gap created by wastage of youth especially those
caught in the warps of social media revolution (Lauer & Handel,
1977).
References
Megat I. (2009) impact of social networking: impacts of the
social network on the society Retrieved from,
myconvergence.com.my/main/images/stories/PDF.../MyCon06_
50.pdf
Neelamalar M. & Chitra. P. (2009) New media and society: A
Study on the impact of social networking sites on indian youth.

5. University of Beira Interior. Web. Retrieved from
www.ec.ubi.pt/.../pdf/neelamalar-new-media
ProCon.org (2011) “Are social networking sites good for our
society?” Social networking critical working, web (501) (c) (3).
Retrieved from http://socialnetworking.procon.org/
Bryfonski, D. (2012). The global impact of social media,
Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press
Lauer, R. H., & Handel, W. H. (1977). Social psychology: The
theory and application of symbolic interactionism, Boston:
Houghton Mifflin
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Running head: THE IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA ON
THE SOCIETY 1
THE IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE SOCIETY
2

6. The impact of the social media on the society
Hassan Alnassir
Wright state university
Sociology
Professor Jonathan Varhola
Febrary17, 2016
Megat I. (2009) impact of social networking. MyCon06_50:
impacts of the social network on the society. Retrieved from,
myconvergence.com.my/main/images/stories/PDF.../MyCon06_
50.pdf
Megat (2009), a director of licensing department in the United
States of America (SKMM) explores the impact of the social
media to find out if it is advantageous or not. He starts his
exploration with analysis of how the internet developed socially
from the Email, websites and into social networks. He explains
that the internet has developed in such a way that it is easily
accessible from anywhere and hence getting into the social
network has become a simple activity. He suggests that initially
the internet was used for business activities and seeking of
information but it later develop to a basis where people can use
to connect with others whether for business, commercial
purposes or make or rekindle friendships. He develops the idea

7. that there are many social networks in the world some of which
are regional and others national and he provides a list of the
famous social networks. In his work he gives an example of
Facebook which he suggest that it has over 300 million active
users
He suggests that today, the online social networks are the most
valued internet companies in the world. He says that the online
social networks focus mainly on building and reflecting social
relationships among people who together share interest and
activities. The social networks allow individuals to maintain
their profiles as well as encouraging people to share their
personal experiences with friends via many means such as
music, videos etc. with this detailed analysis Megat agrees that
the social network has an impact to the society. Throughout his
exploration, Megat provides examples that are real to boost his
ideas on the impact of social networks in the society.
Megat suggests that the social network has enabled the youth to
interact with friends. He says that the youth are always on a
busy schedule of the school life, have physical barriers that
prevent physical social interaction and increased crime have
restricted the youth to only spend time at home and therefore
they have turned to the social network for interaction. Megat
give the idea that the social networks have also been
responsible for bringing like-minded individuals in a quick and
efficient manner. To prove this, he gives an example of the
Malaysian outdoor lovers Facebook group that was created in
2012 and within a year, it has attracted more than 5000
members. He also provides the point that teachers and student to
necessitate communication are using social networks.
Megat says that the social network has also become an
attraction for business either trade or business marketing. He
says that throughout the world, business have learnt that it is
easier and cheaper to grow their business using the social
networks. Companies are creating blogs or sites in social
networks such as Facebook, twitter is free, and therefore they
can be used to provide useful information about them.

8. Moreover, he suggests that the social networks have changed
the ideology of marketing. In this case, marketers have to come
up with strategies that influence people in a one-to-one basis
online as it will influence the people’s opinion and choice. He
suggests that using the social media will allow the businesses to
reduce the cost of marketing and give them an opportunity to
easily connect with the customers.
Megat has the idea that the social networks have problems that
are associated with them. he gives an evidence of the survey
that was conducted in the UK which suggested that social
networks could lead to an increase in the cost to economy. The
research suggested that over half of the office workers spent
working hours’ time in the social networks. The workers who
were interviewed admitted to consuming over 40 minutes in the
social networks each week. Megat sees children to be vulnerable
to predators if they are on the social networks. One of the
events that would likely affect the children is conviction to have
sex through the social network. Megat sees the amount of time
being spent on the social networks by people as worrying since
they do not engage in productive activities while on the social
networks. He also suggests that as many people are luring
themselves on the social networks spammers and phishers will
appear in the site too.
Through his analysis, Megat does not support the idea of
posting private information on the social networks. This is
because crooks may use this information to create frauds that
can be seen as true. He also sees privacy as a concern and
provides information of many people losing jobs because of
information that they have posted on the social networks.
Moreover, recruiters are using the social networks to source for
information before they employ people and so some information
posted in the social network might ruin the opportunity of a
possible employee.
ProCon.org (2011) “Are social networking sites good for our
society?” Social networking critical working, web (501) (c) (3).
Retrieved from http://socialnetworking.procon.org/

9. Megat analysis are weakened by his failure to give his stand
towards the impact that the social network have on the society.
His exploration is detailed but it is only analytical and do not
offer examples of what it is like today. However, based on the
research that was conducted by ProCon organization his
exploration is more detailed and with adequate information and
evidence. ProCon an organization a nonprofit charity
organization that provides resources for critical thinking and to
educate without bias develops an argument to find out whether
the social network sites are good for the society. The
organization analyzes the social network and provides valid
information that 47% of American adults used social networks
like twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Classmates.com and Facebook
in 2011 as compared to the 26% that used the same in 2008. The
organization also offers some range of activities that are carried
on in the social network such as development of biographical
profiles, research, sharing of thoughts, links, photos and music;
communicate with friends among many other activities.
The organization tips that those who are proponents of the
social network site have the view that online communities
promote interaction between family and friends, offer students
and teachers valuable educational support, disseminate useful
information rapidly and facilitate social and political change.
Those who are opponents of the social networking say that the
site waste time on Frivolous activity, alter children behavior
and brain making them prone to ADHD, spread false and
potentially dangerous information, prevent face to face
communication, expose users to predators like burglars and
pedophiles among many other disadvantageous activities. The
site analyses some potential advantages and disadvantages of
the social network and leaves space for the individual to choose
where he belongs in either support or not of the social media in
relation to the society.
The organization comes up with the advantages of the social
media to support it to be good for our society as well as
disadvantages to disapprove it. Most of the information that the

10. organization gives is got from people who have engaged in
debates. Those who support the idea that the social media is of
great importance to the society came up with their views as well
as those who rejected the idea. The organization analyzed the
information and presented it in a more organized manner for
people to visit and have a look.
Neelamalar M. & Chitra. P. (2009) New media and society: A
Study on the impact of social networking sites on indian youth.
University of Beira Interior. Web. Retrieved from
www.ec.ubi.pt/.../pdf/neelamalar-new-media
Neelamalar & Chitra (2009) conducts research on the effects of
the social media on a chosen social group in India. In
comparison to Megat analyses, their research is weakened as it
only focuses on one group in the whole country. The youth are
the most affected by the social media but the society is also
influence. Megat exploration is of great advantage and it will
benefit scholars and other interested parties with adequate,
organized and well-researched information.
References
Megat I. (2009) impact of social networking. MyCon06_50:
impacts of the social network on the society. Retrieved from,
myconvergence.com.my/main/images/stories/PDF.../MyCon06_
50.pdf
Neelamalar M. & Chitra. P. (2009) New media and society: A
Study on the impact of social networking sites on indian youth.
University of Beira Interior. Web. Retrieved from

11. www.ec.ubi.pt/.../pdf/neelamalar-new-media
ProCon.org (2011) “Are social networking sites good for our
society?” Social networking critical working, web (501) (c) (3).
Retrieved from http://socialnetworking.procon.org/
This collection of graded projects is worth 40% of your overall
course grade. In order to receive maximum credit for this
project, all requirements listed below must be met. Annotated
bibliographies, formal outlines, and final research papers will
all be evaluated using rubrics (available in Pilot) designed to
specify the student’s writing strengths and weaknesses.
PART 1: SOCIAL PROBLEM SELECTION. By the beginning
of the third week, each student will have selected a social
problem of interest that will be used as a point of focus for the
remainder of the writing project. Selections will be peer
reviewed in class, and together we will collaborate to cement
your social problem selection into a working research question.
PART 2: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES. Each student will
submit annotated bibliographies for three (3) sources in one
Microsoft Word document, all in APA format. All three sources
will be relevant to your selected social problem and research
question. Annotated bibliographies are due in Pilot on
MONDAY FEBRAURY 17th.
PART 3: FORMAL OUTLINE. Your formal outline will include
substantive subject matter for all of the items listed in Part 4
below. Each main bullet point in your outline (introduction,
literature review, data and methods, theory, conclusion) shall
have multiple subsections below it. The last subsection of your
introduction will be your research question. Outlines will be 2-3
pages of content in length (not counting the cover or references
pages), and will include five (5) academic peer-reviewed
sources. Individual formal outlines are due in Pilot on

12. MONDAY MARCH 10th.
PART 4: FINAL RESEARCH PAPER.
Introduction:
Provide general background on your social problem. Explain
why you consider it to be a social rather personal problem. Use
one citation that highlights the nature of your social problem,
and explain how it will be used as a connecting thread between
the remaining sections of your paper. Define the terms
“sociology” and “sociological imagination” and apply them to
your social problem. Explain the value of using sociology and
your sociological imagination to understand social life as it
relates to your social problem. Cite any sources you use (direct
quotes or paraphrases) in APA format. The last sentence of your
introduction will be your research question.
Research Question:
Your research question will be a concise and narrow (one
sentence, in the general form of IV->DV) explanation of the
relationship that you will be exploring in the rest of your paper.
Remember, your research question will be included in your
paper as the last sentence of your introduction.
Literature Review: Conduct a review of relevant academic
literature pertaining to your social problem. Compare and
contrast key arguments and theories from similar sources, and
analyze and explain key differences/conflicts between
dissimilar sources. Cite any sources you use (direct quotes or
paraphrases) in APA format.
Data and Methods: Show how relevant, widespread or
significant your selected social problem is by reviewing the data
and method of data collection in your academically relevant
sources. Include information about, and your analysis of the
strengths and weaknesses of, each of the following from all of
your relevant sources: sample size, choice of methodological
approach, and important findings. Cite any sources you use
(direct quotes or paraphrases) in APA format.
Theory: Consider your social problem through the lenses of the
three central sociological theoretical paradigms – functionalism,

13. social conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Which one best
explains your social problem? Discuss the best fit, then compare
and contrast this perspective to the other two paradigms.
Remember that a well-argued theory section not only advances
one position, it also argues against the other core theoretical
perspectives.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis statement, and express any
conclusions you have reached throughout the course of
preparing your research paper. This is the section in which you
can express your opinions about the subject. Include ideas for
how future research into this social problem may be conducted.
Discuss potential applications to policy that may impact the
social problem of focus (e.g. changes in law, institutional
procedures).
Final research papers will be 4-5 pages of content in length (not
counting the cover or references pages), and will include seven
(7) academic peer-reviewed sources. Final research papers are
due in Pilot on MONDAY APRIL 14th.
MECHANICS: In constructing your project, be sure to follow
these instructions:
1. Use APA format. That means proper punctuation and style for
in-text citations, and appropriately formatted references pages
noting all sources of information contained in your project
(text, books, the internet, class notes, or other sources), whether
directly quoted or indirectly paraphrased. Running headers and
abstract pages are encouraged, but not required, for this project.
2. Cover page. You MUST always include a cover page with the
following items: a creative/informative title, your name,
instructor name, course name and section number (SOC2000-
xx), and project due date.
3. Format. This project is to be typewritten, with one inch
margins, page numbering (except the cover page), font size 12,
and double line spacing. Appropriate spelling, punctuation, and
grammar are considered in the grading of this project.

14. THIS PROJECT REQUIRES APA FORMATTING AND
CITATION STYLE. A link to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at
Purdue University, one of the most up-to-date APA style guides
available, can be found in Pilot.
WARNING: The use or copying of another student’s work, or of
work that is not your own, is a form of plagiarism and may be
subject to academic disciplinary action. Cite the sources of your
information throughout your paper for both paraphrased and
directly quoted material. All student submissions may be
processed through TurnItIn.com at the sole discretion of the
instructor.