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Foundations of Logic and Reasoning
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Submission Due Date
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Foundations of Logic and Reasoning
Chosen Topic: Social Media and Its Impact on Society
Introduction
Social media as a social platform in today's society remains a focal point of discussion
about its pros and cons. What was once considered a marginal phenomenon a few years ago has
now become a part of people's lives; thus, the contribution of social networks such as Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram in causing social divides, deteriorating the mental health of individuals,
and influencing the political process has become an increasingly worrisome topic. In his article
"Social media has broken our society, but we can still fix it," Jonathan Haidt gives an insight as
to how social media has contributed to the scary new world, arguing that it has eroded the social
capital, weakened institutions, and perverted the stories that bind society together. The paper
aims to critically analyze the paper written by Haidt and provide an outline of the logical
argumentation, focus on reasoning, and demonstrate whether there is bias in the paper and how
credible it is; overall, this paper shall try to provide a counterargument to the argument outlined
by Haidt.
Primary Argument
Premises and Conclusion
Premise 1: People's relationships, rules by which society operates, and familiar narratives are
crucial for democracies' stability.
Premise 2: With the evolution of social media post-2009, social media has corroded social
capital, eroded institutions, and warped shared narratives.
Conclusion: Social media has negatively impacted democratic societies, although there is
evidence that the impact can be reduced through reforms.
Key Facts, Research, and Resources
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Haidt supports his argument using historical evidence, social science findings, and even
contemporary facts. For instance, he talks about the Edelman trust barometer, which examines
the level of trust that citizens have in government, business, media, and NGOs and which has
recorded a decline in trust in some of the most developed democracies globally, such as the
United States and the United Kingdom (Haidt, 2022). Haidt also gave two examples from
political scientists Alexander Bor and Michael Bang Petersen, who identified that several bad
actors are not only ruining conversations and social media news feeds. Furthermore, he refers to
the Hidden Tribes research, focusing on the polarization of social media users where political
far-right and left dominate conversations.
Logic and Reasoning
Type of Argument: Inductive
Haidt's argument is highly inductive because the author presents various observations and
trends to draw a general conclusion on social media impact. However, he does not strongly assert
but instead offers chances or possibilities that are highly likely when all the evidence is
considered.
Assessment of Argument
Strength and Cogency
In this case, the argument is informed, compelling, and well-articulated. Overall, the
coherence of Haidt's hypothesis is stronger than the previous one due to solid evidence and
explicit connections between premises. Regarding the decrease of social trust, the strengthening
of the position of the extremists, and the destabilization of the democratic institutions, it is
possible to speak about the vital reasons. However, it would be unfair not to mention some
weaknesses and gaps that have been identified. For example, where Haidt has painted the picture
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of social media's adverse effects, he does not take the time to explain some of the benefits of
social media, such as the welfare of social movements and support groups.
Explain how the argument contains or avoids bias.
However, it is essential to note that Haidt’s argument is significantly skewed, especially
about the detrimental effects of social media. He pays much attention to the erosion of trust and
the growing division of opinions but neglects the potential benefits of social media, including
social activism and groups/communities. For example, Haidt used Edelman's trust barometer as
evidence of the decreased trust of people in society and the Hidden Tribes study as evidence of
the growing social divide. Nevertheless, he does not refer to studies that speak to the positive
effects of using social media, such as increased political participation or the capacity of the
oppressed groups to get company. Such a choice of materials and the overall focus on the
negative aspects of social media use imply a potential preconception by the authors. Thus,
Haidt’s argument is partial as he only discusses some aspects of social media that potentially
negatively impact society.
Assess the credibility of the overall argument using the Hierarchy of Reliability and
CRAAPO.
The fact that Haidt supports his argument with proper sources such as the Edelman trust
barometer and political scientists Alexander Bor and Michael Bang Petersen gives his argument
more reliability. These sources are credible, and they can back up his statements regarding
reduced trust and greater polarization. However, it could be helpful to add a more accurate
perspective that also focuses on the positive aspects of the use of social media. Any review of
reading naturalness that omits positive studies about social networking, for example, elevated
connectedness and communal support, risks leaving holes in Haidt’s Powers/Evidence mix that
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could sap the reliability of his overall argument. Haidt's sources are suitable in light of the
CRAAPO criteria (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose). However, the overall
logical appeal of the argument needs to be balanced data. Such an approach requires the
argument to be completed and consider the other party's opinion, decreasing its coherence.
Counterargument
A. Provide the argument details of your counterargument
Claim: The use of social media in society has its strengths and weaknesses, and when applied
appropriately, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Premises:
1. Through social media, society can develop social movements and mobilize to bring
constructive societal changes. For instance, the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter
movements have sought to share information through social media and garner support
and change.
2. Social media offers avenues through which such people can find solace in their
conditions, enhancing their quality of life or mental health. These internet services allow
users to find others who are going through similar situations and may obtain comfort
from them.
Conclusion: Although some drawbacks are linked to its use, social media produces tremendous
positive impacts when adequately harnessed. It is, understood that social media has the potential
of being used constructively in serving or furthering social justice as well as the well-being of the
individual.
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Explain the logic and reasoning used to advance the counterargument
This counterargument is also inductive, as it makes generalization based on specific
examples of advantages of using social media platforms. The findings of this paper are
persuasive as the argument is presented with examples from the social movements and mental
health studies. For example, #MeToo has managed to use social media to raise awareness of the
problem of sexual harassment and assault and bring actual social change. Likewise, the literature
has established that online support can enhance mental-health related conditions, as support
groups make people feel like they are connected to others who are going through similar ordeals.
That being the case, more research could be done to strengthen this argument by responding to
possible counterarguments. For example, assessing strengths and limitations of social media
according to the contribution in social movements would be more conclusive, supporting the
premises with an assessment of relevant evidence.
Explain how the counterargument contains or avoids bias
The counterargument is more objective since it recognizes the advantages as well as the
disadvantages of social media. It is positive, well reasoned, factual and does not manipulate the
reader through the use of inflammatory language, or half-truths. For example, acknowledging the
negative aspects that social media has on factors such as polarization by presenting that it has
also been helpful in supporting social causes and helping individuals with their mental health.
This way, the argument given does not leave room for a subjective point of view and seems more
well-rounded with regard to social media’s position in the society at large. With reference to both
advantages and disadvantages that can be derived from the specific argument presented, this
counterargument not only is less likely to exhibit the problem of selective observation, but also
has a stronger strength, coherence, and persuasiveness in presenting a balanced argument. This is
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a fair approach that is understood to contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted
impact of social media.
Conclusion
In his article “Social media has broken our society, but we can still fix it,” Jonathan Haidt
goes on to expand on the notion regarded as the negative impact of social media on democratic
societies by noting the factors such as the decline in social capital, the weakening of institutions,
and the polarization of narratives. By critically evaluating this paper, one is able to note the main
assumptions and conclusions made by author Jonathan Haidt alongside evaluating the strength
and logical consistency of the arguments adduced by the author, as well as provide an evaluation
of possible biases inherent in the author’s somewhat selective focus on the negative aspects.
However, in contrast to the sources Haidt used to defend his point of view, he failed to present
the positive impacts of social media usage as well as left no doubt he described its negative
effects in detail.
Another weakness observed in prior studies is that argument only negative consequences
of social media, failing to capture the benefits. Facebook and other social networks have become
the platforms for social activities, concerns, and protests including the actions of #MeToo and
Black Lives Matter as well as boosters, which can help improve people’s mental health. This
view also goes to show that while social media has its negative impact, it is actually an important
tool that can be used constructively in day to day life.
In conclusion, some of the points raised by Haidt regarding the adverse effects of social
media are worth evaluating with reference to the positive and negative consequences. It is
important for both positions to be recognized so as to fully comprehend the complex function of
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social media in society and begin constructing ways to enhance and build upon its positives
while eliminating its negatives.
Reference
Haidt, J. (2022, May 21). Social media has broken our society, but we can still fix it. The Times,
p. 36–37. https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/social-media-
has-broken-our-society-but-we-can-still-fix-it-flkk8sxt9
