The Cold War: Paranoia In The United States

The Cold War lasted 46 years and had those apart of both Democratic and Communist states at their feet. Paranoia spread throughout the nations and in the United States they introduced various programs that would allow them to still go on if the Soviet Union had infiltrated them. One of those programs being the APRANET. The invention was meant to help government agencies still be able to communicate with one another if the USSR had taken over their telephones. Little did anyone know that the APRANET would blossom into what we now know has the internet. Today, the internet is not just exclusively used for communication between one another. It has taken over many of our lives and helps us complete many of our day to day aspects, such as buying

groceries or clothes. Although, in recent years, there has noticeably been an outbreak of “Digital Zombies” among a vast majority of students. The outbreak includes those who mindlessly and exclusively use the internet as their research without checking credibility of their searches. Based on the outbreak, myself and a few others trying to avoid becoming a Digital Zombie have come up with a few tips on how not to become one yourself: Use alternative resource methods, take advantage of the library, look at the who is the author of your source, actually understand what is being written or used, and don't be afraid of lengthy texts.
Firstly, use alternative resource methods. This means use different search methods other than just google. There is a vast amount of archives such as the Online Archive of California or Calisphere. Also if you go to UCR, you will have access to a variety of databases such as Academic Search Complete. Within these databases, there are a wide variety of peer reviewed articles that will allow you to elevate your research.
Next, take advantage of the library. On campus, there are two fully stocked libraries: Rivera and Orbach. They can seem scary at first but they both have staff that are capable and eager to help those who ask. Within the library there are thousands of books that will cater to any subject you may need research on. Also if there isn’t a book there but at another UC that you need for your project you can ask a librarian or go online to request the book needed to be sent to the campus.
Also, you should always look at the author of your source. When looking up secondary sources you should see if the sources author is a credible source. This could be easy when using an archive but you can always search the authors to see their credibility on the subject. This is especially important when historical events are rewritten about. For example, Che Guevera’s Motorcycle Diaries were written
Understanding what is actually being written is a huge part of not becoming a Digital Zombie. This can be accomplished by being able to analyze whatever is being given. You’re going to need to know what was the source about and why was it written. For example, the Abigail Adams, wife to the Second President of the United States, wrote many letters to her husband. The importance of the letters was not to show that they were merely letters from a wife to her husband but gave us insight on who she actually was. Those letters let us see her viewpoints on issues such as her opposition of slavery and stance on women’s rights. By just skimming an article for the information it presents to you, your argument and strive towards not being a digital zombie will be better.
Lastly, don't be afraid of lengthy texts. On average, scholarly articles are usually bout 20-30 pages long. I know it can seem intimidating, but usually will have more credible information than those that are straight to the point.