The essay topic is about "social media Pros and Cons". It is a comparative research essay that must strictly follow the academic essay structure. Requirements: 1. 5-7 page, double spaced, MLA 2. Must

It was the latest “Verzuz” battle—in which two artists perform from their homes while fans egg them on in the comments—and the competitors were Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. But the event felt more like a celebration than a duel. Scott and Badu discussed homeschooling their children, shared stories behind hit songs and complimented each other’s work.

Michelle Obama even left comments and tagged her husband.

The series was launched in March by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and whenever one of these battles happens, I see all the black people on my Twitter feed talking about it. Despite our physical distance, it feels like a group activity, a barbecue or cookout that every- one attends to gossip or hype one another up while enjoying some amazing music.

I definitely didn’t expect social media to soothe the emotional impact of a global health crisis. Much has been written about the negatives of social media, like bullying and self-esteem issues, and you don’t have to log on for long to observe some of the toxicity. But right now, for so many young people like me isolated at home, social media has been a lifeline.

While some have used it to entertain, others have used it to share information and educate. On April 30, filmmaker Ava DuVernay hosted her annual ARRAY tweet-a-thon, bringing together more than 60 directors—legends like Mira Nair, Julie Dash and Guill- ermo del Toro, as well as newcomers like Lulu Wang and Cathy Yan—to share their industry knowledge. As a black woman, I’ve always figured it would be hard to become a director, and with film festivals canceled, THE UPSIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA When I’m feeling isolated at home, I can log on to find community By Camryn Garrett movie theaters closed and productions halted, the dream seems even more distant. This tweet-a-thon didn’t just provide insight from established direc- tors; it humanized them. It reminded me that they’re also film nerds stuck at home, planning and hoping for their next projects. When asked what advice she’d give black women trying to break into the industry, one of my favorite directors, Gina Prince- Bythewood, re- sponded, “Your first film/script should announce to the world who you are. So write a story that is personal, write a story only you can tell. And make sure it is dope.” I felt like she was speaking directly to me.

OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, I’ve felt locked up in my home (which I know I’m privileged to have), but being I TOLD A TWITTER FRIEND I WANTED TO TRY PLANTING.

A WEEK LATER, SEED PACKETS ARRIVED IN THE MAIL GENERATION PANDEMIC VIEWPOINTS Their day-to-day lives have changed dramatically. They don’t know what the future holds. But many young people still see brighter times ahead 53 on social media has made me feel like the world isn’t so small. When I tweet about being sad or depressed, people send messages telling me that they’re available to talk and that I’m not alone.

I told a friend I know only through Twitter that I wanted to try planting. A week later, several packets of seeds and a card with instructions arrived in the mail.

I don’t want to make light of what’s going on. So many people are dying, and besides social distancing and following other precautions, there’s not much I can do. It’s easy to despair, but when I log on to social media and see people trying to spread positivity, I can’t help but feel hopeful too.

Garrett is a sophomore at NYU and the author of Full Disclosure For my generation, the future was scary enough before we entered a global pandemic. Sud- denly, the future feels so uncertain that speculat- ing has become futile. It is comforting, however, to focus on the present and what I already know about my generation.

Although we have been dismissed as Gen- eration Snowflake, young people globally have capi- talized on our collective power. When the issues we care about were over- looked, we realized that political apathy was not an option. We showed that when young people channel our energy and take to the streets demanding change, our efforts can’t be ignored.

COVID-19 has also illuminated the genera- tional differences in how we respond to catas- trophe. Although it’s mocked as a meaning- less distraction by those who don’t get it, it’s no wonder young people have taken to TikTok during the pandemic.

We value authenticity and simplicity, honesty and humor. We’re also creative, energetic and resilient, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Worldwide, we are watching our unwrit- ten futures becoming increasingly bleak and unpredictable. Inequali- ties are widening, and the job market feels doomed before we even enter it. When this is all over, we will need to rediscover our common humanity and find the strength to reimagine a radically different future. I am confident that my generation is up to the task. It will require us to do what we were already doing: question the status quo, campaign for systemic change, and refuse to neglect the health of our people and planet.

In the midst of a crisis in which hundreds of thousands are dying and the most vulnerable, and most oppressed, are being hit the hardest, daring to choose hope over fear, worry or panic seems impossible.

But given the ambition, optimism and passion that characterize my generation, I think we’ll get through this.

George is a second-year student at Cambridge University and the founder of Free Periods, a campaign to end period poverty The unwavering energy and optimism of my generation BY AMIKA GEORGE It feels like being trapped sometimes. Then, when we go out of the house, it’s like we’re free, like a bird out of its cage for the first time. Emma Rich, 11, Dover, N.H. TIME for Kids received letters from students expressing their feelings during this crisis TIME FOR KIDS Copyright ofTIME Magazine isthe property ofTIME USA,LLCanditscontent maynotbe copied oremailed tomultiple sitesorposted toalistserv without thecopyright holder's express writtenpermission. However,usersmayprint, download, oremail articles for individual use.