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Today, the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, filter bubbles, and international hacking efforts have brought misinformation and disinformation to the forefront of our consciousness. As you read in the webtext this week, the spread of misinformation is not an entirely new problem, and it does not have one simple solution. However, there are changes all information consumers can make to how they engage with stories, facts, and data that can lead us from a “post-truth” world to a “pro-truth” world.
Begin by reading Chapter 4 of the webtext and viewing all of Professor Alex Edmans’ TED Talk “What to Trust in a ‘Post-Truth’ World”, below.
By Thursday of Module 4, create an initial post of at least 250 words that responds to each of the prompts below:
Edmans argues that confirmation bias causes us to believe information that confirms our point of view, which sometimes leads to accepting and sharing information that is fake, misleading, or misrepresentative. Think of an example of this from your own life. How did confirmation bias shape your understanding of an issue?
How do you think our society can move beyond confirmation bias to make sure what we’re accepting and sharing is true?

Unit #1 Introduction Essay Introduce yourself, both as a person and as a writer. Introduce yourself and describe your writing experiences thus far in an informal but detailed letter to the instructor (at least 250 words). What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer? What is your personal approach to writing? What do you like or hate about writing? You may also want to consider the quotes in the short “Writers on Writing” video in the Unit #1 Introduction section. Which of these feel true for you? Which of these seem contrary to your experiences with (or opinions of) writing? This assignment is worth 5 points. Please be sure to review the Submit Your Assignment of Unit #1 section for specific instructions on how you should turn in your work for grading. This assignment is due at the end of Unit #1.

Two characteristics of a dystopian society that are present F451 and are detectable in modern American culture.
Length 
Write 1800 words minimum, single-spaced. This looks like 2.5 full pages, single-spaced (falling under the word count will receive an F with no opportunity for revision).
Organization & Structure 
Include a clear analytical structure as indicated in the Essay 4 PPT linked in this Essay 4 Directions page.
The thesis should be a clear assertion that takes a clear position. The thesis should focus on F451 and reference modern American culture throughout, or it should focus on modern American culture while referencing F451. The connection between modern American culture and F451 should be clear, natural, and unforced.
Include specific examples and textual support from F451 to support your main points. References and examples of American culture must be current and relevant (i.e. the last 10 years), rather than historical. Sources and their discussions alone are not adequate as specific examples. You must generate your own examples from American culture.
Include a thorough analysis of the implications and significance of all of your findings.
Do not cite more than a line of text or use block quotes from the novel. The text is mere evidence, but the analysis should be carried by your words. 
Sources – Include 3 Sources
Incorporate only one source (not the book) from our course readings (Beyond Feelings or Norton Anthology), used only when necessary to support your points, OR from an internet source, such as a .gov, .edu, or .org site
Incorporate two sources from peer-reviewed scholarly articles that are retrieved from the RCC library databases. For more information, see the Library Resources and Scholarly Sources pages under Pages in Canvas.
F451 does not count as a source but should be listed in the Works Cited page.
Submitting the Essay 
Copy/Paste the entire Essay 4 Grading Rubric on the last page of your essay. Submit the essay as a Microsoft Word Document, single-spaced. Microsoft Word is free when you access your student email. This is explained in the Essay 4 PPT.
Avoid personal pronouns and examples
This means that you will completely avoid personal language like “I, we, you, my”.  Visit the Academic Language page for more clarity.
Use MLA Format and Include a Works Cited page
Academic essays should look a specific way. The text is 12-point, Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, with no spaces or gaps anywhere. Include a Works Cited page.  The play does not count as a source, but it should be cited in the Works Cited page. For citation and quotation help, refer to the Essay Resources page to help you complete this correctly, specifically the MLA PPT. Remember that MLA format requires double-spacing, but in this specific course, essays must be submitted single-spaced.
Review the Academic Honesty & Plagiarism page. 
Any plagiarism or AI use detected in this paper will earn zero points without the possibility for revision. If you need help regarding plagiarism issues, reach out to your instructor or an on-duty instructor in the WRC.