Passage 1: Christian Rosen reflects on social networking and Portraits What is the main point(s) the author is trying

to make and what are the key arguments used by her?

The author compares the pros and cons of todays ever-so popular social networking to that of portraits used in the past. She disapproves of the idea of social networking by highlighting its various cons. 1) While, conventionally, social networking is a platform for establishing connections between people of common interests, its fundamental function seems to be its ability to allow people to garner attention and fame. 2) The revelation of personal information on todays social networking platforms allows people to establish connections easily, on top of traditional ways through geographical locations, biological relationships, and what one does in his private or professional life. 3) It is paradoxical how people, who wish so much to stand out in the virtual world, end up resorting to the same methods of showing off their individuality, making themselves seem homogenous. 4) While the digital world does not discriminate like an actual society may divide people, it may indirectly establish distinctions between the popular and the unpopular. Cons of Social Networking Pros of Social Networking 1) Social networking is a platform for learning. The ease of information exchange on the vast social networking sites may inform users of social norms and rules and may aid them in developing social skills, especially the ability to interact effectively online. It encourages users to be responsible citizens of the online community through the constant need to analyse and determine the reliability of online content for oneself. It allows people to share their unique experiences and reflections with others, be it to learn from their mistakes or to guide others.