Below is a sample outline and a well-developed causal chain essay in APA 7th ed. on the topic: “The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships.” This sample is intended to help students write better essays.
Causal Chain Essay: The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships
Sample Causal Chain Essay Outline
- Introduction
- Hook: Begin with a thought-provoking quote or statistic about technology’s role in modern relationships.
- Background Information: Provide an overview of the increasing integration of technology into everyday life and its influence on human interactions.
- Thesis Statement: Present the main argument that technology has caused shifts in human relationships, leading to changes in communication, social dynamics, and emotional connections.
- Body Paragraphs (Causal Chain)
- Evolution of Communication
- Topic Sentence (Cause 1): Discuss the evolution of communication technology as the initial cause.
- Explanation (Cause 1): Explain how the advent of smartphones and social media platforms has changed the way people communicate.
- Supporting Evidence (Cause 1): Provide examples of how technology has enabled instant messaging, video calls, and social networking.
- Transition: Transition to the next link in the chain.
- Changes in Social Dynamics
- Topic Sentence (Effect 1): Explain how the evolution of communication has led to changes in social dynamics.
- Explanation (Effect 1): Discuss the impact of technology on dating, friendships, and family relationships.
- Supporting Evidence (Effect 1): Provide examples of how online dating apps, social media friendships, and virtual family interactions have become common.
- Transition: Transition to the next link in the chain.
- Emotional Connections and Mental Health
- Topic Sentence (Effect 2): Explore the effects of changing social dynamics on emotional connections and mental health.
- Explanation (Effect 2): Discuss the potential for technology to affect the depth of emotional connections and increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- Supporting Evidence (Effect 2): Provide research findings and case studies that illustrate the impact of technology on mental health and emotional well-being.
- Transition: Transition to the next link in the chain.
- Societal Consequences and Future Outlook
- Topic Sentence (Effect 3): Examine the broader societal consequences of these changes.
- Explanation (Effect 3): Discuss the potential implications for society, including the evolving nature of relationships, privacy concerns, and the need for digital literacy.
- Supporting Evidence (Effect 3): Present expert opinions and trends in technology usage to support the argument.
- Transition: Transition to the conclusion.
- Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument that technology has caused shifts in human relationships, affecting communication, social dynamics, and emotional connections.
- Summary: Recap the key points of the causal chain, emphasizing the progression from changes in communication to broader societal consequences.
- Implications: Discuss the importance of understanding these causal relationships and their implications for individuals and society.
- Closing Statement: End with a call to reflect on the role of technology in shaping the future of human relationships and the need for balanced, mindful technology usage.
