Digital Identity & Online Selves: How Literature Explores Social Media, Avatars, and Digital Personas

 

          In today’s hyperconnected world, identity is no longer tied only to our offline lives. We create and maintain digital personas through social media accounts, avatars in online games, and carefully crafted profiles across platforms. These online selves are powerful sometimes liberating, sometimes overwhelming and literature has been quick to explore their complexities.

                From cyberpunk classics to contemporary novels about influencers and Instagram culture, writers are asking important questions:

 Who are we online? How do digital personas reshape relationships? And what does it mean to live between the virtual and the real?

               This blog dives into how literature reflects the rise of digital identity, with a focus on social media, avatars, and online personas.

The Rise of the Digital Self in Literature

         The idea of a “second self” online isn’t new. As early as the 1980s, science fiction was imagining digital spaces where people could reinvent themselves. William Gibson’s Neuromancer introduced the concept of cyberspace, where users could step into alternate realities. Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash expanded this idea, presenting avatars as the visual representation of identity in the digital realm.

        By the early 2000s, as the internet became mainstream, literature shifted from speculative cyberpunk to everyday online life. Books like Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One brought avatars and virtual reality into the cultural spotlight, exploring how digital selves could be both liberating and dangerous. These works paved the way for modern fiction that tackles the complexities of social media and online personas directly.

Literature About Social Media and Identity

       Social media platforms dominate discussions of digital identity today. They are places where we present curated versions of ourselves, balancing authenticity with performance. Literature has increasingly addressed the psychological and cultural impact of this dynamic.

      Lauren Oyler’s Fake Accounts (2021) explores the fragmented lives people lead across platforms, where online personas may be radically different from offline ones.

     Patricia Lockwood’s No One Is Talking About This (2021) captures the dizzying experience of living inside “the portal” (her metaphor for the internet), where memes, tweets, and viral content become part of everyday self-expression.

        These novels illustrate how social media identities can bring both connection and alienation. The online self becomes a performance, and the line between what is “real” and what is “staged” grows increasingly blurry.

Avatars in Fiction: Escaping or Reinventing the Self?

       Avatars are a recurring motif in literature about digital life. They allow characters to experiment with appearance, gender, and even morality in ways not possible offline. But do avatars free us from limitations, or do they risk detaching us from reality?

     In Ready Player One, the OASIS allows characters to design avatars that empower them to escape poverty or discrimination. At the same time, the novel warns that living primarily through avatars can distance us from physical life.

       Other stories present avatars as liberating tools of self-discovery. Online role-playing games and virtual worlds often appear in fiction as spaces where marginalized characters can explore identities suppressed by offline society. Literature here echoes real-life research: many people feel more authentic expressing themselves through digital avatars than through their physical selves.

Online Personas and the Question of Authenticity

       One of the most enduring questions in literature about digital identity is authenticity. Who are we when we post, share, and perform for online audiences?

       In novels about influencers, content creators, or viral fame, digital personas often blur the line between truth and fabrication. Writers suggest that the pressure to maintain an online brand can lead to fragmented identities.

         This theme connects with older literary traditions. From Shakespeare’s use of masks in plays to the duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, literature has long explored the tension between inner truth and public performance. Digital personas are simply the latest stage on which this timeless drama plays out.

Surveillance, Data, and the Fragmented Self

      Beyond personal expression, digital identity in literature often intersects with surveillance and data privacy. Our online selves are not only curated for friends and followers—they are tracked, stored, and monetized by corporations.

       Dave Eggers’ The Circle (2013) tackles this directly, showing how social media companies blur the line between transparency and control. Characters struggle with the pressure of living “fully online,” where privacy is sacrificed for visibility and approval.

      In these works, the digital self becomes fragmented across platforms, timelines, and databases, raising unsettling questions: 

Do we truly own our online identities, or are they controlled by algorithms and corporations?

Why Literature Matters in Understanding Digital Identity

      What makes literature so powerful in exploring digital selves is its ability to humanize abstract issues. Where studies and statistics show us trends, novels allow us to feel the lived experience of scrolling through feeds, managing online personas, or navigating digital relationships.

      Through stories, readers can better understand their own interactions with digital culture. Are social media profiles empowering or exhausting? Do avatars allow deeper self-expression or create disconnection? Literature offers no single answer but it helps us wrestle with the questions.

Future of Digital Identity in Literature

        As digital technologies evolve, literature continues to adapt. Writers now experiment with form to reflect online life: using text messages, tweets, emails, and even memes as part of storytelling. These fragmented, screen-like structures mirror the way we experience identity in the digital age.

      Future works may explore the rise of AI-driven identities, the ethics of virtual reality relationships, or even what happens to our digital selves after death. Whatever form it takes, literature will remain a crucial space for thinking about how online identities shape the way we see ourselves and others.

Conclusion: Living Between the Real and the Virtual

       Digital identity is not just an add-on to our lives it has become central to how we exist in the world. Literature reminds us that the online self is neither entirely false nor fully authentic, but a complex extension of who we are.

        From cyberpunk avatars to social media satire, writers reveal the beauty, tension, and risks of digital selves. By reading these stories, we gain insights into our own online lives how we curate, perform, and sometimes hide behind our digital personas.

      As we move deeper into the digital era, one thing is certain: the question of who we are online will remain one of the defining themes of both literature and life.

 

Work Citation : 

Cline, Ernest. Ready Player One. Crown Publishers, 2011.

Eggers, Dave. The Circle. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.

Gibson, William. Neuromancer. Ace Books, 1984.

Lockwood, Patricia. No One Is Talking About This. Riverhead Books, 2021.

Oyler, Lauren. Fake Accounts. Catapult, 2021.

Stephenson, Neal. Snow Crash. Bantam Books, 1992.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A Fantasy Romance That Captivates Readers

 Hello learners..

Welcome to my blog.

        Sarah J. Maas has become one of the leading voices in modern fantasy, and her novel A Court of Thorns and Roses proves why. This best-selling series opener blends romance, magic, and adventure, inviting readers into a richly imagined world where love and danger intertwine. Since its release, the book has gained a global fanbase, sparking discussions, book clubs, and online communities that keep its legacy alive.

          If you’re curious about why A Court of Thorns and Roses has become such a phenomenon, let’s dive into what makes it stand out.

What Is A Court of Thorns and Roses About?

         At the heart of the story is Feyre, a young mortal who stumbles into the world of the Fae after a fateful encounter. What follows is a journey filled with mystery, romance, and challenges that test her courage and resilience.

          Inspired loosely by the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, Sarah J. Maas expands the narrative into a tale that explores love, sacrifice, and the complexity of human and inhuman hearts. Readers are treated to both familiar mythic elements and fresh, imaginative twists.

Sarah J. Maas’s Writing Style

Maas’s writing is one of the strongest aspects of the book. She has a talent for painting vivid settings lush forests, glittering courts, and perilous landscapes that feel alive on the page. Her characters are deeply layered, flawed, and relatable, which makes readers care about their fates.

Feyre’s development is particularly compelling. She begins as a young woman burdened with survival but grows into someone capable of strength, resilience, and transformation.

Themes That Resonate with Readers

Although the book is set in a magical world, the themes feel universal:

Resilience in adversity – Feyre’s determination reflects the power of perseverance.

Love and trust – The story explores relationships that go beyond attraction, raising questions about vulnerability and loyalty.

Sacrifice and freedom – Feyre often balances her personal desires against her responsibilities.

The nature of power – The novel examines how power can heal, corrupt, or transform individuals.

These relatable themes help readers connect to the story, even if they are new to the fantasy genre.

Who Should Read A Court of Thorns and Roses?

This novel appeals to a wide range of readers:

Fantasy romance fans looking for magic and passion.

Newcomers to fantasy, since the story is approachable yet immersive.

Character-driven story lovers, who enjoy exploring relationships and emotions.

Book clubs, as the novel offers rich topics for discussion.

Why the Novel Stands Out

          Many fantasy novels exist, but A Court of Thorns and Roses bridges multiple genres epic fantasy, romance, and adventure. For younger readers moving into adult fantasy, it feels accessible. For long-time fantasy enthusiasts, it offers a fresh take on familiar tropes. For romance readers, it expands the genre with world-building and depth.

The Cultural Impact

        The novel’s impact extends far beyond the page. Fans around the world share fan art, cosplay, and theories on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit. This vibrant community shows that A Court of Thorns and Roses is not just a book it’s a shared experience.

Final Thoughts

              Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses is a magical blend of romance, adventure, and character-driven storytelling. With unforgettable characters, lush settings, and themes that speak to resilience and love, it is no surprise that the book continues to gain popularity year after year.

       Whether you’re new to fantasy or already a fan of the genre, this novel is worth exploring. Step into the world of Prythian, and you may find yourself just as captivated as millions of readers already have.

Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

 📖  Introduction

              Kristin Hannah has become one of the most beloved contemporary American authors, widely recognized for her emotionally powerful novels such as The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds. Her stories often highlight themes of resilience, family, and the quiet yet extraordinary strength of women.

        Her 2024 release, The Women, continues this tradition, but with an even more ambitious scope. This time, Hannah turns her attention to the Vietnam War, a period often narrated through the lens of soldiers and politics, but rarely through the eyes of women. 

      The novel brings to light the often-forgotten contributions of female nurses who served on the frontlines. Through the journey of one young woman, Frances “Frankie” McGrath, Hannah not only captures the horrors of war but also the struggles of reintegration and the quest for identity and recognition.

Plot Summary

                The novel begins in the late 1960s, introducing us to Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a sheltered young woman raised in a conservative family in Southern California. Frankie grows up under the influence of her father, who often repeats the phrase, “Women can’t be heroes.” These words echo in her mind, shaping her view of herself and her place in the world.

When her beloved brother ships off to Vietnam, Frankie begins to question her role in life. Against societal expectations and her family’s disapproval, she decides to enlist as a nurse and follow him into the chaos of war.

In Vietnam, Frankie is immediately thrust into a world of unimaginable violence and suffering. She encounters wounded soldiers, endless casualties, and the overwhelming emotional toll of being surrounded by death. Along the way, she finds friendship and solidarity with fellow nurses Ethel and Barb, who become her chosen family in the midst of devastation.

The first half of the book vividly portrays Frankie’s time in Vietnam her transformation from a naïve young woman into a resilient nurse capable of handling the unimaginable. But the second half of the novel takes an equally powerful turn. When Frankie returns home, she expects recognition, healing, and belonging. Instead, she faces silence, dismissal, and even hostility. Unlike male veterans, female nurses are rarely acknowledged for their sacrifices. Frankie battles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), isolation, and the struggle to rebuild her life in a society that refuses to see her as a hero.

This duality the intensity of war abroad and the alienation at home is what makes The Women such a compelling and heartbreaking story.

Key Characters :-

Frances “Frankie” McGrath – The protagonist, whose journey from innocence to courage embodies the novel’s core themes of resilience and recognition.

Ethel Chen – Frankie’s witty, intelligent, and fiercely loyal friend in Vietnam, providing warmth and strength.

Barb – A bold and outspoken nurse who becomes Frankie’s pillar of support.

Grant McGrath – Frankie’s brother, whose deployment inspires her to serve.

Frankie’s parents – Particularly her father, whose belief that “women can’t be heroes” becomes a haunting force in her life.

Themes in the Novel

Kristin Hannah masterfully weaves several important themes throughout The Women:

1. The Forgotten Voices of Women in War  : While history often focuses on male soldiers, this novel highlights the courage and sacrifices of women who were also on the frontlines.

2. Identity and Recognition : Frankie’s struggle is not just to survive the war, but to be acknowledged for her service. The novel questions society’s limited definition of “heroes.”

3. Friendship and Found Family : The relationships between Frankie, Ethel, and Barb demonstrate how shared trauma can create bonds that rival blood ties.

4. The Cost of War : The book portrays both the visible wounds and the invisible scars trauma, grief, and disconnection that veterans carry long after returning home.

5. Feminism and Gender Roles – The story confronts outdated beliefs about what women can or cannot do, making it a tribute to women who defied expectations.

Writing Style

     Kristin Hannah’s strength lies in her ability to blend historical accuracy with emotional depth. The novel is richly descriptive, bringing to life the chaos of field hospitals, the sounds of helicopters, the cries of the wounded, and the emotional exhaustion of the nurses. Yet, Hannah never loses sight of the characters at the center.

           Her prose is straightforward but evocative, balancing heartbreaking scenes with tender moments of hope. The pacing is deliberate fast during wartime sequences and slower, more reflective in the aftermath mirroring Frankie’s emotional journey.

Strengths of the Novel

Emotional Impact : - 

The book is deeply moving and resonates with readers long after they finish.

Unique Perspective  :-

 Few novels explore the Vietnam War through the lens of women, making this story both refreshing and necessary.

Strong Character Development :-  Frankie’s transformation feels authentic, while supporting characters are equally compelling.

Historical Relevance  :-

 Hannah researched extensively, ensuring an accurate portrayal of the time period.

Weaknesses

           While The Women is a powerful novel, some readers may find it emotionally heavy due to its graphic depictions of war and trauma. Others might feel that certain parts of the second half, dealing with Frankie’s reintegration into society, move a bit slowly compared to the intensity of the Vietnam chapters. However, these are minor criticisms compared to the novel’s overall impact.

Why You Should Read The Women

           This novel is not just about war it is about resilience, identity, friendship, and the fight to be seen. If you loved The Nightingale or The Four Winds, you will appreciate Hannah’s ability to craft unforgettable characters and emotionally charged narratives.

          More importantly, The Women ensures that the stories of female veterans are not forgotten. It gives voice to the thousands of women who served, suffered, and survived yet were often erased from history books.

Conclusion

Kristin Hannah’s The Women is an unforgettable novel that blends history, emotion, and storytelling at its finest. It shines a long-overdue spotlight on women who served during the Vietnam War, offering readers both heartbreak and hope.

With its gripping storyline, powerful characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is not just historical fiction it is a tribute to unsung heroes.

Technoculture in Literature: How Technology Shapes Modern Storytelling

Introduction

             Literature has always reflected the society in which it is created. From oral traditions to printed books, every era has influenced the way stories are told. In the 21st century, the rise of technology has given birth to technoculture, a term that describes how digital tools, machines, and online spaces are shaping human life. When literature interacts with technoculture, it not only changes the themes of stories but also the very way literature is produced, distributed, and consumed.

         This blog explores the connection between technoculture and literature, showing how writers, readers, and platforms are evolving in this digital age.

What is Technoculture?

        Technoculture is the cultural impact of technology on human life. It studies how machines, media, the internet, and artificial intelligence influence communication, art, social behavior, and identity. For example:

• Smartphones changing the way we interact.

• Social media shaping communication styles.

• AI and digital art redefining creativity.

When applied to literature, technoculture focuses on how technology influences storytelling, publishing, and interpretation.

Literature in the Age of Technology

            Traditionally, literature was written on paper, distributed in physical books, and consumed by reading in silence. But today, literature exists in multiple forms:

👉🏻E-books and Kindle editions making reading accessible worldwide.

👉🏻 Audiobooks and podcasts allowing multitasking while consuming stories.

👉🏻 Digital fanfiction platforms giving voice to amateur writers.

👉🏻 AI-generated stories opening debates about authorship and originality.

This transformation shows that literature is no longer limited to ink and paper—it is deeply connected with technoculture.

Themes of Technoculture in Literature

Writers often use literature to question and critique technology’s role in our lives. Some common themes include:

1. Surveillance and Privacy

Novels like George Orwell’s 1984 or modern cyberpunk stories explore how technology can monitor and control societies.

2. Artificial Intelligence

From Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot to contemporary AI-driven narratives, literature imagines the ethical dilemmas of machines that think like humans.

3. Virtual Reality and Online Worlds

Works like Ready Player One highlight the blending of digital spaces with real identities.

4. Posthumanism

Literature questions what it means to be “human” in a world of biotechnology, cyborgs, and machine integration.

Technoculture’s Impact on Writers

👉🏻Technology has not only influenced what writers write but also how they write.

W👉🏻ord processors replaced typewriters, making editing easier.

👉🏻Digital platforms like Wattpad, Medium, and personal blogs allow self-publishing.

👉🏻AI tools help writers with grammar, structure, and even creative suggestions.

👉🏻Social media provides a direct connection between authors and readers.

This democratization of literature means anyone with internet access can become a writer.

Technoculture’s Impact on Readers

Reading habits have also changed dramatically:

Short-form literature (microfiction, Twitter threads) appeals to readers with limited attention spans.

Interactive literature lets readers choose different story endings (like visual novels and hypertext fiction).

Digital communities allow global book discussions, making reading a social experience.

Readers today are not passive consumers they are active participants in shaping literature.

Challenges of Technoculture in Literature

While technology brings opportunities, it also creates challenges:

I♦️nformation overload: Too many stories and platforms make it hard to focus.

♦️Copyright issues: Digital copies are easy to pirate.

♦️Quality control: Not all self-published works maintain literary standards.

♦️Ethical concerns: AI-written literature questions originality and human creativity.

The Future of Literature in a Technoculture World

Looking ahead, literature will continue to merge with technology. Possible trends include:

♦️AI co-authors collaborating with humans.

♦️Augmented reality books where readers interact with holograms.

♦️Blockchain publishing ensuring copyright protection.

♦️Global accessibility where anyone, anywhere, can publish and read instantly.

The future of literature will not be a replacement of traditional books, but rather an expansion into new forms of storytelling.

Conclusion

Technoculture and literature are now inseparable. Technology has changed not only the themes of stories but also the way they are created, distributed, and consumed. While challenges exist, the opportunities for creativity, accessibility, and innovation are endless. Literature in the digital age reflects our struggles, hopes, and imagination in a technologically driven world.

In short, technoculture in literature is not just about machines in stories it is about how technology transforms human expression itself.

References :

1. Orwell, George. 1984. Secker & Warburg, 1949.

2. Asimov, Isaac. I, Robot. Gnome Press, 1950.

3. Cline, Ernest. Ready Player One. Crown Publishing, 2011.

4. Hayles, N. Katherine. How We Became Posthuman: Virtual Bodies in Cybernetics, Literature, and Informatics. University of Chicago Press, 1999.

5. Jenkins, Henry. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. NYU Press, 2006.

6. Murray, Janet H. Hamlet on the Holodeck: The Future of Narrative in Cyberspace. MIT Press, 1997.

Language Laboratory

Hello friends

       Welcome to my world. This blog is about the experience and the various aspects of " Language Lab". It is very interesting to learn about language lag. 

What is a Language Lab ?

" A language laboratory is a dedicated space for foreign language learning where students access audio or audio-visual materials. They allow a teacher to listen to and manage student audio, which is delivered to individual students through headsets or in isolated 'sound booths.' Language labs were common in schools and universities in the United States in the two decades following World War II ".

                   Nowadays a digital language lab is working on. The principle of a language lab essentially has not changed. They are still a teacher-controlled system connected to a number of student booths, containing a student's control mechanism and a headset with a microphone. Digital language labs had the same principle. A software-only language lab changes the concept of where and what a language lab is. Software can be installed and accessed on any networked PC anywhere on a school, college, or university campus. Software-only systems can be located in one room, from room-to-room or campus-to-campus.

7. Give five advantages of language learning software with reference to your review and experience: 

Independent learning

It provides a lot of interesting  tests,  So,  learner can evaluate themselves.

As it has a feature of phonetics, Lerner can develop pronunciation skills. There are important features through which students record their voices and then play and camepare with the real sounds which is  by software.

enhance and develop vocabulary and Grammar.

8. Give five disadvantages of language learning software with reference to your review and experience:

Language lab software is very time consuming because it requires a lot of time to start. And even after starting it takes time to learn due to so many practice exercises.

Learners can not learn the real world or day to day communication through the lab.

Lack of proper technological skills

Learners can not use a language laboratory outside of class because electricity is needed.

9. List at least five things (related to language skills) you think can be learnt from this lang lab programme: 

It's provide proper pronunciation practice

Improve grammar skill

Interesting way of learning

10. Give five new words (vocabulary or pronunciation) you learnt while reviewing the software: *

If we are looking for pronunciation then each and every we count because many times it happens that our stress on the word is different than the software. Through the waves we can compare that. The words like Potent….

The word like Annotation

Compare mobile app language lab with language lab programme in DELL. Write at least 3 points on 'similarities' and 3 points on 'dissimilarity'. Also write about the 'user-friendliness' of both platforms. You can also philosophise the advantage one has over the other and vice-versa.

Similarities :-

1. Both have communicative and interactive plans for students.

2. Focused on language learning

3. That through the teacher and learning a lot of things apart from language.

Dissimilarity :--

1. Mobile apps are more effective than language laboratories. Because of easy going, through the touch.

2. In pronunciation practice, the language lab is better one.

3. Mobile apps are easy to exceed, whenever and whatever times you want to work.

I would like to say that it was a great experience to learn language from software. It provides self learning to students. Pronunciation practice it's very interesting one. 

Thank you...

Assignment : Mass Media & Communication : Yellow Journalism

 Yellow Journalism 

Abstract :

In this 21st century journalism became more and more important because of this post-truth era and social media. There are a lot of platforms available for the audience to know about the ongoing situation. But to find out the truth in the lies of the sea is very difficult. Because the media works for political parties and powerful people. Frequently tied to a political context, post-truth has become the buzzword of the 21st century. In fact, it was Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year in 2016 which explained it as an adjective “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” The media plays an important role in building and maintaining the post-truth world, which is why some believe journalists have fallen at the bottom of the ladder, on a par with politicians, in terms of public trust. So this is how Yellow Journalism emerged in Media. So the present paper tries to find out the several factors which affect Yellow Journalism. And also what are the sources which are helpful to increase Yellow Journalism. 

Key words :

Media, Politics, Yellow Journalism

Research Objective :-

• To find out what exactly the Yellow Journalism was. 

• Try to analyze the history and meaning of Yellow Journalism.

• How Yellow Journalism Works in media.

•  Is this a fair process of Journalism ?

• How Yellow Journalism is supported by power and politics.

• What is yellow journalism in India?

• To discuss several examples of yellow journalism.

• How Yellow Journalism in the time of pandemic.

Yellow Journalism :

Meaning of Yellow Journalism :

Joseph Campbell describes " Yellow press newspapers as having daily multi-column front-page headlines covering a variety of topics, such as sports and scandal, using bold layouts,  heavy reliance on unnamed sources, and unabashed self-promotion. The term was extensively used to describe certain major New York City newspapers around 1900 as they battled for circulation. One aspect of yellow journalism was a surge in sensationalized crime reporting to boost sales and excite public opinion."

The term yellow journalism is used today as a pejorative to decry any journalism that treats news in an unprofessional or unethical fashion. ( Shirley Biagi )

           The newspaper reports are written in an exaggerated way in order to shock the readers. Yellow journalism is the style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism over facts. 

          Also Campbell is talking about the origin of yellow journalism. The term was coined by Erwin Wardman, the editor of the New York Press. Wardman was the first to publish the term but there is evidence that expressions such as "yellow journalism" and "school of yellow kid journalism" were already used by newsmen of that time. Wardman never defined the term exactly. Possibly it was a mutation from earlier slander where Wardman twisted "new journalism" into "nude journalism"

          There is also how Yellow Journalism works in the time of war and other critical situations.   Historian Emily Erickson states:

Serious historians have dismissed the telegram story as unlikely. ... The hubris contained in this supposed telegram, however, does reflect the spirit of unabashed self-promotion that was a hallmark of the yellow press and of Hearst in particular.

Frank Mott said that there were five things that made up yellow journalism:

1. headlines in huge print that were meant to scare people, often of news that wasn't very important.

2. using many pictures or drawings

3. using fake interviews, headlines that didn't tell the whole truth, pseudoscience (fake science), and false information from people who said they were experts

4. full-color parts of the newspaper on Sundays, usually with comic strips 

5. taking the side of the "underdog" against the system.

          These five things we can observe in day to day life also. Whenever we read newspapers or watch or listen to any news channels we find almost the same results of journalism. The only difference now is that fake news is far more shareable thanks to online media and requires far fewer resources to produce and disseminate. Research has shown fake news travel six times faster compared to fact-based news.

          Journalism is one of the most respectable professions the world over. To be able to report and present topics and organise debates around a wide range of subjects is not everybody’s cup of tea. Nowadays in the more recent context, ‘fake news’ would become such a disease for the whole society. It is no less than a kind of cancer that makes sure to destroy the brain’s comprehension capabilities.

Example of Yellow Journalism :

        Many more examples of yellow journalism have been seen in tabloid headlines over the years, as well as other publications. Catchy headlines can be great as long as they're accurate and not overly sensationalized.

• Titanic Survivors Found Onboard

• Dick Cheney is a Robot 

• -When he goes to the hospital, it's to get his circuits rewired

      -    Severed Leg Hops to Hospital

• Hubby's Bad Breath Kills His Wife

• Vampires Attack US Troops

• Half-Man Half-Dog Baffles Doctors

• Alien Bible Found, They Worship Oprah

• Man's 174-mph Sneeze Blows Wife's Hair Off

• Teen's Hair Changes Color … With her Mood!

• Supreme Court Judges are Naked Under Robes!

• Chain-smoker Kicks 30-year Habit … Then Chokes to Death on Wad of Nicotine Gum!

• Dolphin Grows Human Arms

• Man Gives Birth to a Healthy Baby Boy

• Abraham Lincoln was a Woman

• Jesus Action Figure Heals the Sick

• Half of U.S. hookers are space aliens - and they don't have sex organs!

• Man makes $60,000 a year as human lawn jockey

• Nazi UFOs to Attack U.S.

• Snake with Human Head Found in Arkansas

• News Reporter Eaten Alive by 80-Ft Dinosaur

• Man's Head Explodes in Barber's Chair

• Is Your Cat from Mars? ( This example from the Mary White)

             In an era of sensationalism when most of the rationality, sensibility and sanity has gone down the drain, battling with trash journalism of many websites, journals and news channels must be taken seriously and should be a responsibility to correct ourselves and others who fall prey to such pieces of information. Somehow we all have stopped listening to the other side of the stories to get a balanced view.

Conclusion :

            Thus Yellow Journalism is dangerous for society because as we know, fake news spreads faster than facts. If we are talking about the advantages of Yellow Journalism, the most important newspapers in New York City, The world and The Journal saw an increase in daily sales up to 6 figures. One of the disadvantages of Yellow Journalism is, this journalism wasn't often truthful, causing the public to be grossly uneducated and unaware of reliability.

Work Cited :-

Biagi, Shirley. Media Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media, (2011) p 56.

Campbell, W. Joseph. Yellow Journalism: Puncturing the myths, defining the legacies, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001, pp. 156–160. ISBN 0-275-96686-0.

Campbell, W. Joseph. Yellow Journalism: Puncturing the myths, defining the legacies, Westport, CT: Praeger, 2001, pp. 32–33, ISBN 0-275-98113-4.

 Erickson, Emily. "Spanish–American War and the Press," in Stephen L. Vaughn, ed, (2007), Encyclopedia of American Journalism, Routledge, pp. 494–95. ISBN 9781135880200.

Mott, Frank Luther. American Journalism. Routledge/Thoemmes Press, 2000.

“Oxford Word of the Year 2016.” Oxford Languages, languages.oup.com/word-of-the-year/2016/.

White, Mary Gormandy. “Examples of Yellow Journalism in History and Today.” Example Articles & Resources, examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-yellow-journalism.html.

                

Thank you.....

Assignment : The African literature

 Aftermath of colonialism  in the novel Things Fall Apart

• Abstract :-

               Colonialism is a practice or policy of control by one people or power over other people or areas, often by establishing colonies and generally with the aim of economic dominance. (Kohn Margaret) This present paper tries to find out the effect of colonialism on the Igbo society in Things Fall Apart. What happened Aftermath of colonialism in the Things Fall Apart. Here I am trying to compare what is happening before colonialism and after colonialism in Achebe's Things Fall Apart. How people's minds get disturb from that and even the protagonist committed suicide because he can't live that type life. The African people have their lifestyle, their religion, god and goddess, culture, rituals, language and so many other things; but because of the colonizers and their ruling agenda the natives lost all the things they had before, in a way they had lost their Identity. So colonialism made an effect on each and every aspect of natives Life. Colonialism affected their social, cultural, phycological, mental, educational state of mind. Chinua Achebe portrayed a real picture of the aftermath of colonialism. He had not included bad things done by colonizers but he had also mentioned the good things done by them. Achebe was very critical about his own people and that is the powerful thing. Achebe depicts how a culturally rich and well-governed society is destabilised by the arrival of Christian missionaries and British colonialists.

Key words : Colonialism, Religion, culture

• Introduction :--

          Chinua Achebe's masterpiece novel "Things Fall Apart"  is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English, and one of the first novel,  receive  global critical acclaim. This is widely read and studied in English-speaking countries around the world. The novel followed the life of the protagonist 'Okonkwo'. Things Fall Apart,” one of the first works of fiction which presents African village life from native perspective, Achebe began the literary reclamation of his country’s history from generations of colonial writers. The novel " Things Fall Apart" was   listed by Encyclopædia Britannica as one of "12 Novels Considered the 'Greatest Book Ever Written. Chinua Achebe was writing about African society, in telling from an Africans point of view the story of the colonization of the Igbo, tends to extinguish the misconception that African culture had been savage and primitive.

•  Aftermath Of Colonialism :-

           There are a lot of things which are affected by the colonizers on natives.  There are many notable changes we can observe in the lifestyle of African people. Let's talk on various points one by one :

Religion :

              In Things Fall Apart people followed the Igbo religion. They lived in the Umuofia region.  In which they have so many Gods and Goddess like Indians. Basically religion in Umuofia society is based on agriculture. There is a god for rain and another for earth. Most of these gods are focused on nature. Since they are mostly an agricultural society, it makes sense that nature would be important to them. Since they worship the earth, they take care of the earth and are careful to not dishonor the earth in any way. However they also worshipped their ancestors as gods. The people of Umuofia had also believed in ' Chi', which is the personal Spirit of men and women. 

         In Igbo community Being spiritual and religious is important for the entire society, since it “unites everyone into a clan, giving them a sense of purpose and attachment. Its religion connects the people to the heavens, the earth, and the land and places everyone in the social order” (Levine )

" He had been cast out 

of his clan like a fish onto a dry, sandy beach, panting, clearly his 

a personal god or chi was not made for great things. A man could not 

rise beyond the destiny of his chi. "( 131, Things Fall Apart)

       Okonkwo was thrown out in the clan because the earth god was not happy with him because he killed a young boy of the clan unintentionally.  So in a way the African who are happy with their god and goddess. They live their life peacefully. But after the western religion came to Umuofia the situation in the novel where religion is almost a vehicle for the fall of Umuofia society.

          Western ( Christian) religion breaks order in the Umuofia society by taking in outcasts and clan members without title and giving them power. By taking power away from the clan's authorities, Christian religion destroys the clan's old methods of justice and order, creating an apocalyptic scenario for the clan's former way of life.

       In Christianity, there is one all-powerful god. This god is there to save them from their sins and to save them from this life. For the Igbo culture this is unbelievable because this life and land is their entire life. A single god doesn't seem very applicable to them. 

        From the machineries Mr. Brown manages to live peacefully in Igbo society as he shows openness towards its religion and traditions and daily communicates with the people while Mr. Smith’s methods have devastating effects on Igbo society. The main reason for this is Mr. Smith’s lack of willingness to communicate and as language and speech are so important to the Igbo people this has devastating effects. In the novel we have evidence that how colonizers are trying to portray his religion is higher than native Africans.

"And he told them about this new God, the Creator of 

all the world and all the men and women. He told them that they 

worshipped false gods, gods of wood and stone."

"All the gods you have named are not gods at all. They 

are gods of deceit who tell you to kill your fellows and destroy 

innocent children. There is only one true God and He has the earth, 

the sky, you and me and all of us."

"Your gods are not alive and cannot do you any harm," replied 

the white man. "They are pieces of wood and stone." (Things Fall Apart)

            In this way the missionaries are convincing  clan members to change their religion and accept the Christian religion. There are several good things in Christian religion and several bad things in Igbo religion. But the missionaries are harming their beliefs and faith in their god. So because of the British missionaries Igbo people lost their religion and their god and goddess.

Culture , lifestyles and Traditions :

" Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young  man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. "

            This is the opening line of the novel, through which we come to know about the tradition of Igbo community. They have a community of warriors. Those who won the most titles were the powerful men of the clan, who were the rulers over the community. Who had the power  to make a decision. 

       But after the missionaries came they lost their social structures, their law system , their rituals.

" Such a man was Ogbuefi Ugonna, who had taken two titles, 

and who like a madman had cut the anklet of his titles and cast it 

away to join the Christians"

      When Okonkwo came after the seven year of exile he came to know that the people who had titles had also joined the Christian religion.

 In chapter twenty the conversation between Okonkwo and his friend Oberika gives us a clear idea of how the missionaries are working on the land. They don't understand the situation and the tradition of the community, but they are only trying to ensure that each and every person of the clan follows their so-called rules and regulations.

" The White man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his 

religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. 

Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like 

one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we 

have fallen apart." ( Things Fall Apart)

     Okonkwo and Obierika are here talking about how their own people changed under influence and fear of colonizers. They have unity to war against any other community or other problems but They lost their unity of the community. 

            Okonkwo's one question to Obierika explains to us about the colonizers' way of dealing with things : "Does the white man understand our custom about land?" To some extent we can say 'yes' because Mr. Brown who had tried to understand the religion and the other social traditions and it's meaning. But that is not for the sake of the natives but only for their benefits. And also expand his own missionaries and religion.

                Language is a very important part of Igbo culture and it is highly stylized by the use of fanciful and didactic proverbs so that points are made without inflicting pains on the listeners during conversations. This is why Achebe says that “proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten”. This implies that proverbs, though highly symbolic, are the only strong weapon of impressing words into the minds of individuals. So, proverbs are matchboxes used to ignite words or conversations because they imbibe some truth. As a result, the Igbo use their proverbs to teach industry and hard work when they say;If a Child washed his hands, he could eat with Kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and he ate with Kings and Elders. (P. 7) This proverb reiterates the importance and dignity of labor (hard work). So, the Igbo recognizes that through hard work even a person from a poor background like Okonkwo can overcome his father’s laziness to make himself “one of the greatest men of his time ”(Awa).

• Conclusion :

            Thus, Colonialism affected each and every aspect of Igbo society. Firstly Colonizers emphasis on religion. They explain the things in a way that the African gods are not God but just part of woods and stone. They had a strong argument against the African gods and culture and rituals. Missionaries had devastating lives. Natives already have their law system and other things with particular reasons, but Colonizers want to make changes according to them. Those who do not follow the rules made by missionaries are imprisoned. If we talk about the suicide of protagonist then who is responsible for Okonkwo's suicide ? Maybe the Clear cut answer is the Colonizers. He doesn't want to live under the colonizers cruel rules. So in the aftermath  colonialism time is the worst time for natives. At some points it was good for people but at what price that is the question.

Work Cited :-

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. London: Penguin Books Ltd, 2010, Print.

"All-TIME 100 Novels| Full list", Time, 16 October 2005.

Awa. J. O. Language and Culture in African Literature: A Stylistic Assessment of the Works of the Contemporary Nigerian Novelists. In Journal of the English Scholars Association of Nigeria (JESAN), Vol. 18. No. 1, Pg. 126-137

Levine, Alan. “Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a Case Study in Nietzsche’s Transvaluation of Values.” Perspectives on Political Science, 28.3 (1999) 136-141. LibHub. Web. 

Margaret, Kohn. "Colonialism". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford University. 29 August 2017.

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