Academic Wizard, Author at Assignment Help Central

July 1, 2025

Web Portal Impact on Calls

Explanatory and predictive customer analytics

Homework -2

Ace Health Insurance Inc. (AHI) offers health insurance to millions of customers in the US. AHI has created a self-service web portal for its member. Members can find their relevant health insurance information on the portal, such as see the status of their health insurance claims, explore member benefits, and look for treatment options. Members can also conduct transactions with AHI on the web portal, such as ordering a new health insurance card. The portal would allow members to find the desired information and make fewer calls to AHI’s call center.

The AHI members have started using the web portal. The AHI management wants to understand the true effect of web portal adoption and usage on member calls.

The AHI management designed a quasi-natural experiment on the sample of 2475 members, as described below in Figure 1.

One year Pre-period

One year Post-period

Treated Members (1289)

(Started using the web portal in pre-period)

Ntel /Nweb

Control Members (1186)

(Did not start using the web portal in pre-period)

Ntel /Nweb

Web Portal Impact on Calls

Figure 1: Quasi-experimental settings

Out of the total 2475 members. 1289 members (treated members) started using the web portal in the pre-period, but the remaining 1186 members (control members) did not. The AHI collected data the following data for these members in the pre-and post-periods.

· Ntel : number of telephone calls made by the member

· Nweb: number of web portal visits by the member

· Nclm: number of insurance claims filed for the member

· Clmamt: Amount of claims in USD filed for the member

The AHI management collected claims information because a member with a higher number claims (higher claim amount) is more likely to call.

The AHI also collected some other socio-demographic information about the members, such as their age, gender, type of health insurance plan (PPO or nonPPO), and their total past claims.

Use this data and the experimental setup to estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) of web portal adoption on member calls.

1. Estimate the difference-in-means ATE of web portal adoption on member calls based on data for (1) only treated customers and (2) treated and control customers in the post period.

2. Conduct the balance check to see if the treated and control customers are similar.

3. Compute the propensity scores of mambers’ web adoption based on the variables Age, Female, CompPPO, TotNclm, and TotClmamt. Then, estimate the matching ATE of the web portal adoption based on the post-period data.

4. Estimate the difference-in-difference (DID) ATE of the web portal adoption by selecting appropriate variables that may affect member calls.

5. Estimate the DID matching ATE of the web portal adoption.

6. Estimate the DID matching ATE of the web portal usage on member calls. [Hint: use number of web portal visits as the treatment variable instead of the Treat indicator variable.]

Web Portal Impact on Call

What is the difference-in-means ATE of web portal adoption on member calls?,
Are treated and control groups balanced on key characteristics?,
What is the matching ATE based on post-period data and propensity scores?,
What is the difference-in-differences (DID) ATE of portal adoption on member calls?,
What is the DID matching ATE using portal usage intensity?

July 1, 2025

Personal Leadership Philosophy

By Academic Wizard Blog

Personal Leadership Philosophy

Develop and submit a personal leadership philosophy that reflects what you think are characteristics of a good leader. Use the scholarly resources on leadership you selected to support your philosophy statement. Your personal leadership philosophy should include the following:

A description of your core values.
A personal mission and vision statement.
An analysis of your CliftonStrengths Assessment summarizing the results of your profile
A description of two key behaviors that you wish to strengthen.
A development plan that explains how you plan to improve upon the two key behaviors you selected and an explanation of how you plan to achieve your personal vision. Be specific and provide examples.
Be sure to incorporate your colleagues’ feedback on your CliftonStrengths Assessment from this Module’s Discussion 2.
Personal Leadership Philosophy
1. What are your core leadership values?,
2. What is your personal leadership mission and vision?,
3. What does your CliftonStrengths Assessment reveal about your leadership style?,
4. What two key leadership behaviors do you want to strengthen?,
5. How will you improve those behaviors and achieve your vision?
✅ Comprehensive General Response

Personal Leadership Philosophy

Core Values

My leadership philosophy is built upon the foundational values of integrity, empathy, accountability, growth, and service. I believe that integrity fosters trust, empathy builds human connection, accountability ensures responsibility, growth promotes continuous learning, and service keeps leadership grounded in purpose. A good leader is someone who not only holds themselves to these values but models them consistently to those they lead.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: To lead with authenticity and compassion, empowering others to reach their full potential by creating a culture of trust, continuous learning, and shared success.

Vision: To become a transformational leader who drives meaningful change by nurturing people-focused, values-based leadership in every organization I serve.

CliftonStrengths Assessment Analysis

According to my CliftonStrengths Assessment, my top strengths include Strategic, Empathy, Learner, Responsibility, and Relator. These strengths suggest that I am a reflective and intentional leader who values relationships, understands others’ emotions, is committed to lifelong learning, and takes ownership of tasks and team outcomes. For example, my strength in “Strategic” helps me make sense of complexity and envision multiple paths forward, while “Empathy” enables me to recognize unspoken emotions and respond with care.

Feedback from colleagues affirmed these strengths, particularly noting my ability to listen deeply and create a space where others feel valued. However, they also encouraged me to speak up more assertively when presenting innovative ideas, which leads to identifying areas for growth.

Personal Leadership PhilosophyTwo Key Behaviors to Strengthen
1. Assertive Communication: While I actively listen and support others, I often hesitate to assert my ideas, especially in group settings. This can limit my influence and the implementation of innovative solutions.
2. Delegation: I tend to take on too much responsibility to ensure quality, but this can lead to burnout and disempower team members.

July 1, 2025

Report Writing in Criminal Investigations

By Academic Wizard Blog

Report Writing in Criminal Investigations

Overview

For this Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment, students will prepare a research paper. Thus far, in the course, you have learned about the information and documentation required to complete both, misdemeanor and felony investigations. Additionally, you have learned about the importance of both, internal and external statements and/or reports and the circumstances under which both might be completed.

In this Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment – you should discuss the primary differences in report writing documentation for both, misdemeanor and felony investigations. The Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment should also discuss, compare and contrast the primary differences between the use of internal and external statements and/or reports and when both might be utilized as well as the audience that might review either internal or external reports and investigations. All papers must be completed through the lens of a Biblical Worldview where you will incorporate appropriate biblical passages and/or resources.

Instructions

The Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment must include the following elements:

· Title Page;

· Introduction;

· Body (including an Introduction, Body Paragraphs/Argument Section, and Conclusion); and

· Reference Page

Report Writing in Criminal Investigations

All components of the Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment must be written using current APA formatting and must specifically focus upon and discuss the topics listed above.

The title page must use proper formatting as set by the APA style guide. The Introduction must be between 150–250 words and provide a clear summary of the paper.

The body of the Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment must be comprised of 5–7 pages of content. The Title Page and Reference Page are not included in the page count. The introduction must include background information on the topics discussed, a well-written thesis statement, and a preview of points. The body must thoroughly discuss the elements listed, to include the information that might be required to complete both, misdemeanor and felony investigations. Additionally, the Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment should provide an in-depth discussion regarding the purpose of internal statements in comparison to external statements or reports and the circumstances under which either may be completed and submitted. Further, the Research Paper: Differences in Report Writing Documentation Assignment should discuss the audience that might review these reports and the impact that improper documentation might have upon the report as well as the investigation.

The Reference Page must include at least 3 scholarly/industry sources published within the last five years. The sources must be cited both in the body of the paper as well as in the Reference Page. Biblical references do not count toward the citation requirement.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism t

Report Writing in Criminal Investigations

What are the primary differences in report writing between misdemeanor and felony investigations?,
How do internal and external reports differ in purpose and use?,
Under what circumstances are internal and external reports utilized?,
Who are the audiences for each type of report?,
What are the consequences of improper documentation in investigations?

July 1, 2025

Airbnb’s Pandemic Adaptation Strategy

By Academic Wizard Blog

Airbnb’s Pandemic Adaptation Strategy

Intro: During the COVID-19 pandemic, human service organizations faced many challenges to provide optimal services to families in need. The needs of underserved communities grew and required additional services. Yet, many organizations had limited resources and staffing to fill these new demands. Human service professionals began to experience vicarious trauma because of large caseloads and their inability to provide services. Some complained of compassion fatigue and apathy. Human service organizations began to change the type of services they provided to adapt to the needs of their communities.

Instructions : Draft a 10–12-page paper on How Organizations Modified Operations to Adapt to the Pandemic Needs will investigate the obstacles created by the pandemic. (The Annotated Bibliography is already completed on Airbnb)

· Select an organization, non-profit or governmental agency that redefined their business model to adapt to the pandemic challenges.

· Identify the services that were altered to accommodate various needs during the pandemic (i.e., hotels provided extended stays for out-of-town nurses during COVID nursing shortages, the Gap & Athleta company created masks, Armbrust American created N95 respirators).

· Explore the best leadership style for this organizational change. ,

· Examine the change management approach used. ,

· Describe how emotional intelligence was applied to service delivery. ,

· Evaluate the strategies that can help a human service professional overcome compassion fatigue during service delivery. ,

· Compare self-care methods that human service professionals can use to overcome apathy.

APA Citation-Required Annotated Bibliography

Airbnb’s Pandemic Adaptation Strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations globally to take a deeper evaluation of their operations to adapt to challenges never seen before. The evaluations were needed to prevent internal loss, improve their business model, and keep the business heartbeat strong to survive. Many businesses faced these challenges, and one of the most distinctive companies to adapt to the unprecedented times was Airbnb. Airbnb emerged as an example of resilience and innovation. The leadership mindset shifted as Airbnb was formerly known for short-term vacation rentals. Still, after triaging the environment, they could pivot their services and begin accommodating long-term stays and virtual experiences. This focus was tailored more for remote workers and prudent travelers. We will explore Airbnb’s strategic adaptation during the pandemic. This transformation was profoundly grounded in leadership, change management, and employee well-being.

Annotated Bibliography

Organization Overview: Airnb’s Business Model Shift

Reinhold, S., & Dolnicar, S. (2021). The evolution of Airbnb’s business model. Uq.pressbooks.pub. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14195957

Reinhold provides a comprehensive overview of how Airbnb conditioned its business model because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The author further highlights Airbnb’s change management shift from short-term vacation rentals towards long-term stays, accommodating remote workers into their business mix and including more virtual experiences. This ability to adapt helped Airbnb remain relevant by responding to consumers’ transition needs. This article supports that strategic adaptability is not about survival but more about realigning services and creating new realities. It helped Airbnb to create a new frame and become proactive and innovative instead of complacent and reactive.

Adamiak, C. (2021). Changes in the global Airbnb offer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airbnb’s Pandemic Adaptation Strategy

Adamiak’s study used data highlighting Airbnb’s services by offering a change based on geographical and strategic changes during the pandemic. The research supports a decline in urban listings but a rise in rural and suburban accommodations, supporting a shift in consumers’ purchasing behavior. This evidence is vital as it captures Airbnb’s adaptability and supports the company in realigning its services by cross-referencing emerging trends. This concept reinforces the essential components of data-driven decision-making while incorporating strategic planning. Through Airbnb’s flexibility and open model business lens, their innovation allowed them to gain and maintain a competitive advantage during a global crisis.

Leadership Styles

Carrington Legal. (2020). Lessons in leadership during COVID-19: Airbnb. https://carringtonlegal.com/blog/lessons-in-leadership-during-covid-19-airbnb

The article illustrates the leadership that Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky executed during one of the most vulnerable and challenging times in the company’s history. Chesky’s transformational leadership style resonated with their colleagues through his communication, empathetic decision-making, and prioritization for employees’ well-being while having to go through a complex process of laying off constituents. The article supports effective leadership while experiencing a crisis, which requires more than just strategic thinking; it demands emotional intelligence and putting people first. The CEO’s actions helped elevate and preserve trust while boosting morale even as the company was revamping significantly.

Forbes. (2020). How Airbnb survived the pandemic. https://www.forbes.com/sites/deniselyohn/2020/11/10/how-airbnb-survived-the-pandemic–and-how-you-can-too/

The article reinforces Airbnb’s CEO Chesky’s role as a transformational leader through innovation and emphasizes his commitment to the company’s core values and long-term vision. The article illustrates how Chesky maintained strategic clarity while chartering through a choppy, unstable environment. It is also important to highlight how the organization prioritizes emotionally intelligent leadership by guiding the company through rapid change. The article also points towards how leaders can inspire resilience and innovate others by remaining grounded with purpose and authentic communication. This demonstrated Chesky’s senior leadership, which galvanized Airbnb and helped it gain a renewed sense of direction and identity, which was born through a crisis environment.

Change Management Styles

Lead Read Today. (2020). Resilience, focus and the broader perspective: The case of Airbnb. Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University. https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/resilience-focus-and-broader-perspective-case-airbnb

The source dives into how Airbnb embraced adaptive change management, which helped navigate uncertainty during the pandemic. Instead of reacting impulsively, the CEO strategically measured his approach and began focusing on the company’s core mission, listening to stakeholders, and making tough but much-needed adjustments. The article emphasizes the importance of resilience and long-term thinking while managing change. The article details how successful change management connects operational shifts, cultural commitment, flexibility, and ongoing learning.

Inc. (2020). 3 important lessons from Airbnb’s pandemic pivot. https://www.inc.com/akhil-kambhammettu/airbnb-brian-chesky-advice-for-pivoting.html

The article highlights Airbnb’s leadership, which was implemented by understanding their community, hosts, guests, and employees. The company understood it needed to pivot quickly while being transparent and creating an empathetic environment, leading to a participative change management style. The article also shows how involving stakeholders in the change process helps build trust and reduce organizational resistance, including the board of directors. Lastly, the article sheds light on how there was trust in experimenting. Airbnb’s willingness to experiment and allow an open mindset allowed the organization to adapt quickly and, as a result, was more effective while experiencing an evolving crisis.

Emotional Intelligence and Compassion Fatigue

Lluch, C., Galiana, L., Doménech, P., Sansó, N., & Vidal-Blanco, G. (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction in healthcare personnel: A systematic review. Healthcare, 10(2), 364. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020364

This study focuses on healthcare professionals. It also provides valuable insights into how emotional strain and compassion fatigue affect employees across sectors during a crisis. The study’s results show how prolonged stress, uncertainty, and emotional labor lead to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. This information and data help frame the emotional challenges Airbnb employees likely faced during the pandemic, especially while experiencing layoffs, shifting roles, and a rapidly changing working environment. This study details how emotionally intelligent leadership recognizes and responds to different pressures while providing empathy and support.

Wee, E. Y. M., & Fehr, R. (2021). Compassion during difficult times: Team compassion behavior and the role of leader affective presence. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(4), 514–529. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000893

This article details how leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence with warmth, empathy, and presence act as a buffer for any adverse effects of stress and uncertainty. The ideology supports the thought that emotionally intelligent leadership is not a soft skill but a nonnegotiable factor in maintaining team cohesion and morale during challenging times. This article directly relates to Airbnb’s leadership approach, being transparent and compassionate in communication, which helped employees feel seen, heard, and supported amid difficult decisions.

Self-Care Strategies for Human Service Professionals

National Association of Social Workers. (2020). Self-care for social workers during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus/Self-Care-During-the-Coronavirus-Pandemic

This resource covers practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining well-being during a crisis. The article covers the importance of setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and staying connected with supportive peers. This guidance is primarily relevant for any human service professional navigating due to emotionally demanding work. These guided resources reinforce the idea that self-care is not optional. Sustainability must remain effective and avoid burnout, especially during prolonged periods of uncertainty similar to the pandemic.

Ottawa University. (2020). Best self-care practices during a pandemic. https://telfer.uottawa.ca/telfer-knowledge-hub/career-centre/covid-19-three-easy-ways-to-practice-self-care

The article details the range of techniques associated with self-care, such as breathing exercises and journaling to maintain a routine. This helps professionals set boundaries, prioritize rest, and get the proper mental, physical, and psychological help they need. This article outlines a holistic approach by focusing on multiple faucets for proper well-being and illustrating to organizations that resilience is deeply connected to the health and sustainability of its people.

The Pandemic was challenging for many. Some businesses experienced tremendous challenges and became victims of the tragic economic climate around them. Many other organizations, such as Airbnb, can adapt with purpose and lead by deploying empathy and making it a mission to prioritize innovation and well-being. Airbnb experienced a holistic restructuring in its business model, transformational leadership, and thoughtful change management. They were able to defy the odds and emerge with a new roadmap with a greater sense of direction. During this time, many employees experienced a lot of hardship due to layoffs

July 1, 2025

Research Proposal Essentials

By Academic Wizard Blog

Research Proposal Essentials

ASKYOURSELF

•Whatdoyouwanttodo? Whydoyouwanttodoit? Howyouproposetodoit.

TITLE& INTRODUCTION

•Ensureaclear& memorabletitle.

Providesthebackground ofyourproject. •Describe&explainthe problemstatement.

PROBLEM STATEMENT &SIGNIFICANCE

•Highlight&describekey featuresoftheproblem.

•Beexplicitinyour descriptionofthe researchquestion, objectives,orhypothesis. Emphasizethepurpose& benefitsofthestudy. Justifyhowyourproject contributestothebodyof knowledge.

RESEARCH DESIGN&DATA COLLECTION

•Describeyourproposed design&rationale. •Itmustsatisfytheaimof thestudy. •Clarifyhowyouaimto findyoursample&collect yourdata. Languageisfuturetense; thisiswhatyouintendto do.

Research Proposal Essentials

TIMELINE

•Indicateyourstart&finish dates. •Chronologicallylistthe majorphasesofthe project. Usethistobreakdown

thesephases.

LITERATURE REVIEW

•Theculminationofall yourscrutinized research. •Demonstratea thoughtfulsynthesisof thismaterial. •Emphasizeyourkey constructs. Showthestateof currentknowledgein relationtoyour problem.

DATAANALYSIS

•Focusontheprocess: record,transcribe. extrapolatethemes. Discusswhethermanual ordigital&why. •Plantimetolearndigital applications&processes.

RESOURCES REQUIRED

•Includespeople,services equipment. •Anyresearcher’stime. travel&accommodation

•Purchasingofsoftware. •Transcriptionword processing,orgraphicart services

THE DALE METHOD

What is the purpose of your research, and why is it important?,
What is the specific problem or question your study addresses?,
What design and methods will you use to collect and analyze data?,
How will you structure your research timeline?,
What resources will you need to complete the project?

General Comprehensive Answer:

A successful research proposal is more than just a plan—it’s a persuasive argument that your project is necessary, meaningful, and feasible. Below is a general guide addressing each essential element of a strong research proposal, incorporating the key areas you must cover.

Title & Introduction

Start with a clear and engaging title that captures the essence of your study. Your introduction should briefly present the background, explain why this topic matters, and clarify the research context. A compelling introduction not only sets the tone but also introduces the central focus of the study, helping readers quickly understand your project’s relevance.

Problem Statement & Significance

The problem statement identifies the core issue or gap in knowledge that your research aims to address. Be clear and specific: What exactly is the issue? Why does it matter academically or practically? Follow this with a set of well-defined research questions, objectives, or hypotheses. Highlight the broader implications—how your work will contribute to the existing body of knowledge, address social needs, or influence policy.

Research Design & Data Collection

Explain the methodology you plan to use. This includes your research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), the rationale behind it, and how it aligns with your objectives. Describe how you will identify your sample (e.g., purposive sampling, random sampling), and how data will be collected—interviews, surveys, observations, or archival data. Use future tense here, as you are proposing what you plan to do.

Research Proposal EssentialsTimeline

Map out your research chronologically. Divide your project into major phases:

Phase 1: Literature Review and Finalization of Tools
Phase 2: Data Collection
Phase 3: Data Analysis
Phase 4: Writing and Revisions
Phase 5: Final Submission
List realistic start and end dates for each. A visual Gantt chart is helpful but not required unless specified.

Literature Review

Summarize and synthesize existing research relevant to your topic. Demonstrate critical thinking—don’t just describe what others have said; show how their work connects to yours. Highlight gaps in the literature that justify your study, and present the key constructs or theories you’re using. This section helps position your research within the broader academic conversation.

Data Analysis

Outline your strategy for analyzing the data you collect. Will you use thematic analysis, statistical software, coding frameworks, or content analysis? Indicate whether you’ll analyze data manually or use tools like NVivo, SPSS, or Excel. Justify your choice. Also, discuss how you’ll ensure data reliability and validity.

Resources Required

List all the resources you’ll need:

People: Supervisors, interview participants, collaborators
Services: Transcription, translation, editing, or graphic design
Equipment: Audio recorders, computers, software licenses (e.g., NVivo, SPSS)
Logistics: Travel, accommodation, or access to archives
Include a budget estimate if required. This shows foresight and planning.

July 1, 2025

Agency from the Margins

By Academic Wizard Blog

Agency from the Margins

How is activism tied to agency and self-determination?,
Can individuals with little or no agency still engage in activism?,
Does activism produce or enhance personal and collective agency?,
How do racism, sexuality and internationalism intersect with activism?,
What insights do Palestine and colonial aesthetics offer on activism?

General Comprehensive Answer:

Constructing Agency Through Activism: Resistance from the Margins

In societies marked by entrenched systems of oppression—racial, sexual, geopolitical, and aesthetic—agency is not a given. It is not evenly distributed, nor is it guaranteed by citizenship or visibility. For the marginalized, activism is often not an expression of preexisting power but a method of forging it. To argue that activism stems from agency overlooks how, historically and presently, activism arises in spaces of constraint, silence, and surveillance. Drawing from themes of racialized sexuality, stateless Palestinian resistance, and subversive aesthetic practices under authoritarian regimes, this essay contends that activism is not the product of agency—it is its creator.

To begin, we must counter the liberal assumption that activism is only viable when individuals possess agency—that is, social capital, freedom of expression, or legal recognition. This view would exclude queer communities of color, stateless peoples, and artists in authoritarian states—yet history proves these are among the most active resisters. In Roderick Ferguson’s Queering the Color Line Within the Color, he critiques how the state and capital regulate which bodies are productive, and therefore “legible” within the sociopolitical order (Ferguson 4). This regulation marginalizes queer people of color, marking them as deviant and stripping them of normative agency. Yet through transnational activism and radical cultural practices, these communities reclaim agency by refusing normative legibility. Ferguson writes, “Queer of color critique arises as a way to challenge dominant modes of racial and sexual governance” (6). In other words, when formal agency is denied, activism becomes a means of self-authorship.

This pattern extends globally, as illustrated by Palestinian activism. In Spirit in Opposition, the authors examine how Palestinian identity itself is forged in resistance to occupation and displacement. Without a recognized state, Palestinians operate in a constant condition of disenfranchisement. Yet it is precisely this absence of agency that gives rise to innovative and resilient forms of activism. Cultural resistance—such as poetry, music, and storytelling—emerges as a political force. The essay notes, “When Palestinians sing their losses, draw their past, or narrate their exile, they create a memory that resists erasure” (Spirit in Opposition 12). Here, activism does not require institutional support; instead, it generates collective memory and identity, serving as a form of reclaimed agency. The

Agency from the Margins

July 1, 2025

Social Media and Democracy

By Academic Wizard Blog

Social Media and Democracy

Social media: beneficial or detrimental to democracy? Why?

A) has to be 3 – 4 pages long

B) It has to be double space and one-inch margins on all sides

C) It has to be typed in Times New Roman Font (12)

D) In MLA format and it must contain a separate Works Cited page. Needs to have at least 4 citations from 4 different reputable sources.

E) No Wikipedia is allowed.

F) You must provide statistical and/or specific current or historical events or facts to augment your thesis.

Social Media and Democracy

Is social media ultimately beneficial or detrimental to democratic systems?,
What specific aspects of democracy are affected by social media (e.g. free speech voting civic participation)?,
Are there historical or current examples that demonstrate social media’s democratic influence?,
What does research or data say about social media’s impact on public opinion or elections?,
How should democratic societies manage or respond to the challenges posed by social media?

General Comprehensive Answer (3–4 Pages, MLA Format Overview)

Social Media and Democracy: A Double-Edged Sword

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool in shaping political dialogue, citizen engagement, and access to information. Its impact on democracy is complex—both transformative and troubling. While social media platforms can promote democratic participation by amplifying voices and facilitating grassroots organization, they can also distort public discourse through misinformation, polarization, and manipulation. Therefore, social media is neither entirely beneficial nor wholly detrimental to democracy. It is a double-edged sword—its impact depends on how it is used, regulated, and understood. This paper argues that while social media has democratizing potential, its unregulated misuse presents serious threats to democratic institutions and civic trust.

One of the greatest contributions of social media to democracy is its ability to expand civic engagement and political awareness. Social media has revolutionized access to political information and empowered ordinary citizens to engage with political content and express opinions. According to a Pew Research Center study, roughly 70% of U.S. adults use social media, and nearly half report getting at least some of their news from these platforms (Pew Research Center, 2021). Movements such as the Arab Spring and Black Lives Matter have demonstrated how digital platforms can mobilize mass political action. Social media can also hold governments accountable through real-time reporting and public pressure, enhancing transparency.

Social Media and Democracy

However, the same mechanisms that allow for broad communication can also be exploited. Social media often amplifies misinformation faster than factual information, partly due to algorithmic prioritization of engagement over accuracy. A study published in Science found that false news stories on Twitter were 70% more likely to be retweeted than true ones, largely because they appeared more novel or emotionally charged (Vosoughi, Roy, and Aral, 2018). During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian operatives used Facebook and Twitter to spread disinformation and inflame political divisions, directly interfering in the democratic process. In this context, social media acts not as a democratic enabler but as a destabilizing force that undermines public trust.

Moreover, the architecture of social media fosters echo chambers and political polarization. Through self-selected content and algorithmic curation, users are exposed primarily to viewpoints they already agree with, deepening ideological divides. This fragmentation of the public sphere weakens deliberative democracy—the principle that citizens should be able to debate and consider multiple perspectives. Political scientist Cass Sunstein warns that social media can “undermine the capacity of diverse people to deliberate and come to shared judgments” (Sunstein, 2018, p. 42). As democratic societies depend on informed consensus and compromise, this polarization poses a serious risk.

Social media also raises concerns about data privacy, surveillance, and manipulation. The Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed how personal data harvested from Facebook was

July 1, 2025

Activism as Agency Creation

By Academic Wizard Blog

Activism as Agency Creation

Write a 1.5 pages up to 2 pages single-space final essay that brings 3 (you can do more if you wish) weekly themes together around the bigger theme of activism and agency. Make an original argument that ties them all together. To argue for something, you need to first argue against something. Activism is something we all admire (or denigrate) in society, but how is it tied to agency, the ability to shape one’s own life? Do people who have no/little agency have recourse to activism? Does activism deliver or provide much agency? Use themes and materials from the second part of quarter to discuss the activism/agency dyad. In terms of style, your essays are not simple compare papers (they said X and they said y). They are argumentative persuasive essays. You must make an original argument by juxtaposing weekly themes together. You don’t have to compare themes equally; you can prioritize one and use it to discuss the other theme, but the art and skill of writing requires deep analysis and argumentation logic that weaves things together. college-level writing takes practice. Theme 1: racism, sexualiTY, internationalism racism, sexualiTY, internationalism Use the reading “queering the color line within the color” Use lecture slides “lecture week 6 on japan” Theme 2: Palestine, activism, geopolitics Use the reading “spirit in opposition” Use lecture slides “week 8 on palestine” Theme 3: coloniality, authoritarianism, aesthetics Use the reading “Enmeshment aesthetics” Use lecture slides “week 9 on coloniality”

Activism as Agency Creation

● USE QUOTES FROM THE 3 FILES OF THE READINGS THAT I ATTACHED. ● REFER BACK TO THE LECTURE SLIDES AND USE IDEAS FROM THERE

TOO. ● CITE PAGE NUMBERS AND CITE IN MLA FORMAT. ● DON’T US

How are activism and agency conceptually connected?,
Can individuals with little or no agency still engage in activism?,
Does activism meaningfully generate or restore agency?,
How do themes like race, sexuality, and colonial aesthetics intersect with activism?,
What do the readings reveal about resisting dominant power structures through activism?
Activism as Agency Creation

July 1, 2025

Lowering the Drinking Age

By Academic Wizard Blog

Lowering the Drinking Age:

Should the alcohol drinking age be lowered from 21 to 18? Yes or no? Why?

A) has to be 3 – 4 pages long

B) It has to be double space and one-inch margins on all sides

C) It has to be typed in Times New Roman Font (12)

D) Written in MLA format and it must contain a separate Works Cited page. Needs to have at least 4 citations from 4 different reputable sources.

E) No Wikipedia is allowed.

F) You must provide statistical and/or specific current or historical events or facts to augment your thesis.

Lowering the Drinking Age:

Should the legal drinking age be lowered from 21 to 18?,
What are the supporting arguments for your position?,
What statistical or historical evidence supports your stance?,
What are the legal and social implications of changing the law?,
What credible sources support your claim?

Comprehensive General Answer:

Should the Legal Drinking Age Be Lowered from 21 to 18?
Position: No

Introduction
The debate over the legal drinking age in the United States continues to evoke passionate arguments from both sides. While some argue that 18-year-olds are adults and should therefore be allowed to drink, there is substantial evidence suggesting that maintaining the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) at 21 is vital for public health and safety. This essay argues against lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18, citing statistical evidence, historical outcomes from similar changes, brain development research, and legal precedent to support the position.

Public Health and Safety: Lives Saved by the 21 Law
One of the most compelling reasons to maintain the MLDA at 21 is the impact it has had on reducing alcohol-related traffic fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the current drinking age law has saved more than 31,000 lives since it was implemented in 1984 (NHTSA, 2020). Younger drivers, particularly those aged 18–20, are disproportionately involved in alcohol-related crashes. Lowering the drinking age could reverse these gains and increase the risk of deaths on the road.

In addition to traffic fatalities, underage drinking is associated with risky behaviors including unsafe sex, violence, and long-term substance abuse. A 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that underage drinkers are more likely to binge drink than those of legal age, increasing the potential for alcohol poisoning, injury, and criminal behavior (CDC, 2019).

Brain Development and Long-Term Impact
Scientific research has shown that the human brain continues to develop well into the mid-20s. The prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning—is one of the last regions to fully mature. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use before age 21 can interfere with brain development, potentially leading to cognitive impairment, reduced academic performance, and increased risk of alcohol dependency in adulthood (NIAAA, 2021).

Permitting 18-year-olds to drink legally may expose more young adults to alcohol during this critical period of brain development, leading to long-term negative consequences for individuals and public health systems.

Lowering the Drinking AgeHistorical Evidence: Lessons from the Past
In the 1970s, several U.S. states lowered the drinking age from 21 to 18 following the ratification of the 26th Amendment, which reduced the voting age. The result was a sharp increase in alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. The backlash led to a national movement to raise the age back to 21, culminating in the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. This federal law withheld highway funding from states that did not comply, encouraging uniformity across the country.

This historical precedent demonstrates that a lower drinking age leads to higher rates of alcohol misuse and fatalities. The U.S. learned this lesson the hard way, and returning to an 18-year-old drinking age would be a step backward.

Legal Adulthood vs. Responsible Adulthood
A common argument for lowering the drinking age is that 18-year-olds can vo

July 1, 2025

Russia Relations Strategy

By Academic Wizard Blog

Russia Relations Strategy

Submit a 1,000-word essay outlining your plan and initial thoughts on your final research paper and video presentation. This outline will detail which national or international security issue was chosen from the list provided below. The proposal will outline your planned analysis of the issue, your preliminary ideas on the strategy you recommend, and commentary on the likely effectiveness of your strategy to bring the issue to a positive resolution. The choices of other students do not impact your choice. Discuss possible exceptions to this policy with the instructor. The essay must include a cover page and bibliography (not counted in the word total). The essay is to be typed, 12 font, double spaced and must meet the following criteria: (1) identifies the issue in need of resolution, outlining a brief history of the issue (10% of the grade); (2) explains the preliminary thesis statement you will make in the final research paper with an explanation of why you have chosen this thesis statement (20% of the grade); (3) estimate the major sections of your paper, i.e., sample section titles and a brief explanation of the purpose of each section, including footnotes/endnotes (30% of the grade); (4) provides an initial working bibliography with all sources collected so far using Chicago (preferred), APA or MLA style (20% of the grade and is required). Submitting the proposal grammatically correct and error-free is worth 10% of the grade. The paper proposal will be submitted in this assignment. The submission is to be in PDF format. Only PDF-formatted files will be accepted. The naming convention of the PDF file is lastnamePSCI6630Proposal.pdf (last name being the student’s last name). All submissions must have a cover page with the student’s name, course number, and title. (Following these submission directions precisely is worth 10% of the grade.)

Russia Relations Strategy

Issue selection comprises 1) issue topic and 2) primary perspective. For example, 1) the issue topic is the war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and 2) you would then choose the primary perspective of the USA, the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian government, or another nation-state government. While your final paper will need to consider the perspectives of all significant players reacting to your proposed strategy, in this example, you would need to write the strategy for either Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy, or another nation-state leader as your primary focus.

1. TOPIC US relations with the Russian Federation

Russia Relations Strategy

What is the chosen national or international security issue?,
What is your preliminary thesis and why did you choose it?,
What are the major sections planned for the final paper?,
What is your proposed strategy and why do you believe it will be effective?,
What sources have you gathered so far for your working bibliography?

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Author Archives: Academic Wizard

✅ Comprehensive General Response

Core Values

Mission and Vision Statement

CliftonStrengths Assessment Analysis

Personal Leadership PhilosophyTwo Key Behaviors to Strengthen

Title & Introduction

Problem Statement & Significance

Research Design & Data Collection

Research Proposal EssentialsTimeline

Literature Review

Data Analysis

Resources Required

General Comprehensive Answer (3–4 Pages, MLA Format Overview)