What is the relationship between technology and intimacy? In what ways does technology help and hinder intimacy?

In “The Empathy Diaries,”Sherry Turkle analyzes the effects of a loss of empathy, and

considers the extent to which conversations offer a way to push back against that loss.

Maria Konnikova similarly analyzes the ways in which technology has affected our
relationships. Konnikova has concerns that our use of technology and social media may
be diminishing our Dunbar Number, and our ability to create intimate, real connections
with each other For this assignment, you will apply the arguments by Turkle and
Konnikova in order to analyze the effects of technology on intimacy. Using specific
concepts and details from “The Empathy Diaries” and “The Limits of Friendship,”
write an essay in which you analyze the effect of technology and/or social media
on intimacy. Are there aspects of online friendships Konnikova doesn’t appreciate (that
you do)? How do children learn how to be social? Why does that matter? What role can
or should technology plan in our everyday lives? How does social media affect our
ability to empathize with each other? What does it mean to always be connected?

Further questions to help you explore:
Questions for further consideration (use these to help you brainstorm; you should not try
to answer every question):
● What is the relationship between technology and intimacy? In what ways does
technology help and hinder intimacy? Are there places online where you can be
more authentic? Is our online presence always curated? Why might that matter?
● Who is the target audience of these essays? What do these authors hope to
convince us of? In what ways do their ideas work together to make a
commentary on the ever increasing role of technology in our lives?
● What is the Dunbar Number? Is this a valid way of looking at relationships? Why
or why not?
● What does intimacy have to do with empathy? Connection?

Formatting and Requirements:
● Your essay should:
o be 4-5 pages in length (at least 1250 words)
o be typed in Times New Roman font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins
(on all sides)
o include your name, my name, class and date in the upper left corner of the
1st page
● Format your essay according to MLA guidelines
● You must use specific details from both readings and from your selected source
to support your argument. At least one paragraph must have a connection
between both essays (that is, a direct quote from Turkle and from Konnikova).
You should not need to use any additional outside sources for this assignment. If
you find it necessary to include ideas or information from additional sources be
sure to clearly cite them and include them in your Works Cited.

Criteria for Evaluation:
● Argument: Argument/thesis directly and fully answers the prompt; is clearly
stated early in the paper; is original, compelling and logical, avoiding absolute
claims
● Evidence: Appropriate amount of relevant, accurate, and justifiably interpreted
quotation. Quotations are thoroughly introduced, explained, analyzed, and
connected to argument. Possible counter-arguments are considered.
● Organization: Paragraphs maintain argumentative focus, exclude extraneous
information, appear in a logical order, and transition smoothly. Introduction sets
forth argument and goals of essay. Conclusion opens up avenues for future
research.
● Audience: Consistent, academic tone. Appropriate amount of contextual
information, anticipating audience questions. Addresses significant issues and
makes them important to audience.
● Grammar and Format: Errors in grammar, spelling, and usage limited or non-
existent. Correct MLA format, including proper quotation citation.

Both readings: https://e-reader-frontend.macmillanlearning.com/?r…https://e-reader-frontend.macmillanlearning.com/?r…