"Is Facebook making us lonely"
Just to check my understanding on this article,I decided to write a summary.. Please check by reading this article..
Basically the author is trying to say that Facebook connects people with each other but it does not bond people together,as does communicating face to face does,thus causing loneliness.
I don't quite get this: "the danger with Facebook is not that it lets us isolate ourselves,but that it threatens to alter the very nature of solitude"
Does this mean that we become more narcissistic as we become more lonely?
I also don't understand this: "Facebook denies us a pleasure whose profundity we had underestimated: the chance to forget about ourselves for a while,the chance to disconnect."
Does this mean that Facebook causes us to think about ourselves too much that we need to fulfill ourselves to not be lonely? Is the author trying to say that disconnecting ourselves from Facebook allows us to experience solitude,which involved self-reflection?
By the way,do you think that I am not smart because I don't understand this article?
Any tips to help me become a better reader?
One big problem I see with this entire article is the sweeping use of generalizations all through it. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/fallacies/ (Scroll down a bit and read about generalizations.)
Does this mean that we become more narcissistic as we become more lonely?
Yes, I think that's what this article's author is saying.
Does this mean that Facebook causes us to think about ourselves too much that we need to fulfill ourselves to not be lonely? Is the author trying to say that disconnecting ourselves from Facebook allows us to experience solitude,which involved self-reflection?
I agree with your conclusion here, too.
Based on your summary, it seems like the article is suggesting that although Facebook allows us to connect with others, it does not provide the same level of connection and bonding as face-to-face communication, which can lead to a sense of loneliness.
Regarding the quote "the danger with Facebook is not that it lets us isolate ourselves, but that it threatens to alter the very nature of solitude," the author is suggesting that Facebook doesn't necessarily make us isolate ourselves entirely, but it changes how we experience solitude. Solitude usually refers to the state of being alone, and the author argues that Facebook can prevent us from truly disconnecting from the world and having moments of solitude where we can forget about ourselves and reflect.
In relation to the statement "Facebook denies us a pleasure whose profundity we had underestimated: the chance to forget about ourselves for a while, the chance to disconnect," the author means that Facebook doesn't give us the opportunity to take a break from constantly thinking about ourselves and focus on self-reflection. The author is highlighting the value of disconnecting from Facebook to experience solitude, which involves deeper self-reflection rather than seeking self-fulfillment.
Regarding your concern about not understanding the article, it is important to note that everyone has different levels of comprehension and understanding. It does not necessarily reflect your intelligence. Reading comprehension can be developed over time with practice. Here are some tips to help you become a better reader:
1. Take your time: Read slowly and carefully, paying attention to the details and context of the text.
2. Highlight or take notes: Jot down key points or summarize sections that you find difficult to understand. This will help you remember and reflect on the content.
3. Ask questions: If there are parts of the text that confuse you, ask yourself questions about what the author is trying to convey.
4. Seek additional resources: If you're finding a particular topic challenging to grasp, look for related articles or videos to supplement your understanding.
5. Discuss with others: Engaging in conversations about the articles you read can provide different perspectives and insights.
Remember, developing reading skills is a continuous process, and with practice and patience, you can improve your comprehension over time.