You will produce a 2000 word (maximum) research paper about a subject related to the theme of the class: new media technology's sensory and emotional effects, from history to the present (with a particular focus on the haunting, uncanny, and thrilling). This paper will be based on a minimum of five journalistic, scholarly, or primary sources. The sources can include class readings but do not need to be based on them. Depending on the subject, it will be written in a classic essay style (argument/thesis, evidence, etc), or a journalistic piece that explains your subject and proves something about it for us, your readers.These topics are meant to inspire you and help you think of further ideas -- I encourage you to find one of your own that's appropriately scoped and specific.Virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, etc.Digital urban legends and lore (Momo Challenge, ghost accounts, Slenderman, Blue Whale etc)Screenshotting vs ephemeral mediaDrones and drone visionCopypastasMukbangNFT frenzyLow-light and nightvision aesthetics / technologiesNumbness, anhedonia, disengagementAnon culture, chan culture (and QAnon and related movements in general)Uncanny valleyMedia habitsGaming: SO MANY TOPICSOnline grief, trauma, and mourningTeletherapy and mediated intimacyChatbots and social media bot activityVibesAdoption of "obsolete" media technologies: typewriters, cassette tapes, Polaroid film, etcDigital moral panicsDeepfakesGhost finding equipment and ghost hunter mediaDead media technologies / platforms: Smell-o-Vision, Pixelvision cameras, holograms, etcVaporwave