Writing: Essay Proposal Example

Joseph Reagle

Snappy start

A new language of love has emerged—one of “swiping right” and “matching”—and it is transforming how relationships form….

  • ✓ sharp, surprising, specific, controversial, or funny
  • ✗ no boring meta-discourse (e.g., “The topic I have chosen for my paper is …”)
  • ✗ no bland or trite universal claims
    • “Since the beginning of time, people have been debating whether or not social media is good or bad” (see examples from r/Professor)
  • ✗ no “very interesting” (“insightful”/“fascinating”); show it

Thesis

I will argue that social media hinders, rather than facilitates, the formation of relationships…

  • ✓ argue/explain/answer
  • ✗ explore/discuss/analyze

Framing

I will explain the types of people who use online dating apps and their motivations. Furthermore, I will review studies about how online dating can lower self-esteem and deter people from using interpersonal communication skills to start and maintain relationships. This is complemented by concerns that prior investigations of a potential partner’s social media can be detrimental to trust in online-started relationships.

Support 1

In “Love me Tinder” Sindy Sumter, et al. (2016) explore the characteristics and motivations behind people who use Tinder…

  • ✓ Author, et. al
  • ✗ subtitle

Support 2

How, then, do Tinder’s users’ sleuthing affect the trust they are likely to build? According to Jennifer Gibbs, et al. (2001), Googling does reduce uncertainty about the identity of the partner but can also cause a couple to skip important moments of self-disclosure and therefore decreasing intimacy….

  • ✓ rhetorical question segue
  • ✗ don’t need titles when using APA
  • ✗ no “recipe” segue (e.g., “first I will … and then… and then…”)

Support N

…

Conclusion

These sources will allow me to show that social media does not benefit the formation and success of relationships. Rather, it leads people to avoid face-to-face interpersonal communication. Uncertainty and discomfort are a part of forming relationships, and social media should not be used as a shortcut to bypass awkward or uncomfortable situations.

Bibliography

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