Digital Citizenship Synthesis Essay

AP English Language and Composition

Directions: The following prompt is based on the accompanying six sources. This question requires you to integrate a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written essay. Refer to the sources to support your position; avoid mere paraphrase or summary. Your argument should be central; the sources should support this argument. Remember to attribute both direct and indirect citations.

Introduction Technology has become more widespread and influential every year since its inception. But just what is this influence, and how has it affected teenagers? Has it made education, commerce, and communication better, or has it opened a Pandora’s box that will be difficult for teens, parents, schools, and even the legal system to control?

Assignment Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, take a position that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim that technology has had a positive impact on teenagers. Be sure to address cyber-safety, cyber-security, and cyber- ethics.

Relevant Articles:

Social Networking: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1100310#i1100310_update_1

Sites’ Dark Side: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1100310#i1100310_3

Not Fit for Teens: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1100310#i1100310_4

Negative Effects: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1100310#i1100310_5

Cyberbullying: http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=ib100223

Stalkers Go High Tech: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp- dyn/content/article/2007/04/13/AR2007041302392.html

Text Messages As a Weapon: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp- dyn/content/article/2010/06/20/AR2010062003331.html?wprss=rss_metro

School Bullying: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-04-04-bullying_N.htm

Star Wars Kid: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2003/07/59757