Gaming Buddies Met for the First Time at Bedside of N.J. Man Fighting Cancer. the Meet-Up Went Viral

Donnelly 1

Megan Donnelly

Mrs. Mulvaney

English IV Honors

23 October 2018

Annotated Bibliography

Brandt, Joe. “Gaming Buddies Met for the First Time at Bedside of N.J. Man Fighting Cancer. The Meet-up Went Viral.” NJ.com, NJ.com, 28 Sept. 2018, www.nj.com/camden/index.ssf/2018/09/joe_manghan_reddit_online_gaming.html.

        This article was published in The Star-Ledger, by Joe Brandt, who currently holds a position at NJ Advanced Media as a reporter. NJ Advanced Media is the number one source of local news for the state of New Jersey, and often contributes articles to the newspaper, The Star Ledger. It is the most widespread newspaper in New Jersey that reports with sources, and is exceptionally factual. The Star Ledger possesses a notorious reputation to publish more left wing articles than right wing.

Joe Brandt’s article demonstrates a touching story proving that social media does not invariably stunt social development. A young boy, Joe Manghan, who faced a battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma had been placed on hospice care following his illness’ progression to a terminal state. Ewing’s Sarcoma constrained Joe to his hospital room, where his interactions were confined to his family and hospital staff. Socially, Joe’s options were scarce, limited to playing video games with people he had never met. This outlet is where he would meet lifelong friends. After learning Joe’s illness was terminal, his friends came together from across the country to meet Joe in person for the first time. Ironically, had it not been for video games, known to normally weaken a child’s social skills, Joe would have never known the feeling of love and companionship from friends.

        This article represents the idea that social media is not necessarily a terrible influence on the younger generation regarding social skills. The article immensely supports a paper being written on the topic that video games as well as social media have potential to connect people of all ages on a global scale from simply the touch of a button. Had video games and social media been obsolete, bedridden Joe Manghan would not have undergone a life changing part of the human experience, known as friendship. Joe’s story is but one example of how technological communications can enhance the lives of those who are as well as are not disabled.