Thesis Statement:This research essay explores the influence of social media on global youth culture, examining its effects on identity formation, social interactions, activism, and cultural exchange within the context of key sociological themes covered in the course.

Introduction:

• Definition and significance of social media in contemporary society
• Brief overview of global youth culture and its importance
• Importance of studying the impact of social media on youth culture from a sociological perspective

Body:

Identity Formation in the Digital Age:

• The role of social media in shaping individual and collective identities
• Impact of online self-presentation on self-esteem and self-concept
• Exploration of the concept of "digital selves" and its implications for offline identity

Altered Social Interactions and Relationships:

• Examination of how social media affects interpersonal relationships and communication.
• Analysis of online social networks and their impact on offline social interactions
• Study of the blurring lines between online and offline friendships

Youth Activism and Social Change:

• Investigation of the role of social media in mobilizing youth for social and political causes
• Case studies of successful youth-led movements driven by social media platforms
• Critique of the limitations and challenges of digital activism

Cultural Exchange and Globalization:

• Exploration of how social media facilitates cross-cultural interactions and exchanges
• Analysis of cultural appropriation and diffusion through online platforms
• Impact of social media on the globalization of youth culture trends and values

Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Well-being:

• Examination of the trade-off between online visibility and personal privacy
• Analysis of the psychological and emotional implications of constant online connectivity
• Discussion of the challenges of managing digital well-being in the context of social media use

Conclusion:

• Recap of key findings and insights from the analysis
• Emphasis on the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship between social media and global youth culture
• Call for further research and continued critical engagement with the evolving role of social media in shaping contemporary societies

Bibliography:

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, August 10). Social media | Definition, History, Examples, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-media

Lewis, B. (2017, May 15). Media manipulation and disinformation online. Data & Society. https://datasociety.net/library/media-manipulation-and-disinfo-online/

Camgirls. (n.d.-c). Google Books. https://books.google.ca/books/about/Camgirls.html?id=u9w-XY_gU2gC&redir_esc=y

Birks, J. (2014). Networks of Outrage and Hope: Social Movements in the Internet Age. European Journal of Communication, 29(5), 633-636. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323114539430c

Participatory culture in a networked era. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.ca/books/about/Participatory_Culture_in_a_Networked_Era.html?id=AHfiCgAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

The Routledge International Handbook of Children, Adolescents, and Media. (1969, December 31). Routledge & CRC Press. https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-International-Handbook-of-Children-Adolescents-and-Media/Lemish/p/book/9780367633356

1. Provide a rough draft of ABOVE research project . This will include:
   1. Introductory paragraph (with a thesis statement)
   2. Body paragraphs with 5-6 main body arguments
   3. Concluding paragraph
   4. USE ONLY GIVEN REFERENCES AND CITE IN TEXT CITATION