There are many topics in which one could research for a time period of five to six months. Many of which would keep them occupied and interested. Out of all of the topics one could choose I decided to research the pros and cons of text messaging, online social networking, and whether its taking over the lives of the new generations, and if the drinking age should be lowered.
The first two class periods that we were given to research I didn't necessarily get into the depth of the research. I used the data bases that I was told to use, and came up with more interesting, that not, information about each topic. I understood the argument about why it has been considered that the drinking age should be lowered. College presidents believe that it will decrease the likeliness of binge drinking, but as always there are two sides to every story. In Europe there is no minimum drinking age. You have to be 18 years of age to buy alcohol, but as for actually drinking it, it doesn't matter how old you are. A study has been done that shows that forty-three percent of thirteen to sixteen year olds have admitted to drinking at least five beers a night.
Texting is another issue in our time. A lot of people view cell phones as a key to their social life. Seventy-five billion text messages were sent this June, alone. English teachers and professors believe that the texting world is putting a damper on the ability to learn to read and write good literature correctly. Shakespeare was able to compose beautiful literature by the way he put together, and used his words. Pretty soon the next great piece of literature will consist of "lol", meaning laugh out loud, and "idk", translating to I don't know. More phrases are getting made up day by day. Even Spanish speaking countries are following the texting world. "Pqtqm" translates from texting abbreviations to Spanish with porque quiero tu que mucho, which translates to english meaning because I like you a lot. There are hazards to texting, as well as positive things. It's a great way of communication in times of crisis when reception is low, like during Hurricane Katrina.
Like text messaging, online social networking is beginning to take over the social life of young teens, to young adults as well. Having a Facebook, or a MySpace invited complete strangers to know exactly what you're like. It gives you less protection on your privacy. People who have a personal profile are able to be searched throughout the web for this generation, and future generations to come by a simple Google search.
With every story there is one side to it, which could be good to some individuals, but there is always another side; there are always two sides to every story. One of them might be good to someone, while the other side could be the way another one thinks. It all depends on one's opinions on certain topics, and situations.
