The Dangers of Digital Distractedness
Make an argument about the persuasiveness of a written argument and offer evidence from the text to support your evaluation of its persuasiveness. To analyze an argument, you have to be a rhetorical reader—that is, an active and critical reader who can explain not just what an author says but how persuasive the author is or isn’t and why. You should focus not on the issue but on what choices an author has made and how those choices affect the audience’s response to the argument.
Use this articles for Writing Arguments for your rhetorical analysis:
Lauren Shinozuka, “The Dangers of Digital Distractedness” (pp. 98-102)
Sample Solution
In Lauren Shinozuka’s argument “The Dangers of Digital Distractedness,” she effectively employs rhetorical strategies to persuade her audience on the dangers of digital addiction and associated distractedness. She begins by citing statistics that demonstrate how pervasive technology use is in our society today, emphasizing that it has become a “ubiquitous part” of virtually all people’s daily lives (98). To ensure her readers are further convinced, Shinozuka then utilizes vivid imagery to depict what life can be like for those who are addicted to their screens: “like zombies with eyes glued to phones rather than looking up at friends, family members, and strangers we pass by everyday" (99). Finally, Shinozuka ends her argument with a call-to-action for readers—she encourages them to reclaim their focus by unplugging from their devices and taking the time reconnect with friends and family face-to-face. Through these persuasive tactics, Shinozuka crafts an effective argument which succeeds in convincing its intended audience on the importance of cutting back on digital distractions.
Another take;
Lauren Shinozuka’s “The Dangers of Digital Distractedness” is a highly persuasive argument. She begins by establishing the prevalence of digital devices in today’s society and building credibility with her use of statistics that demonstrate how thoroughly technology has become ingrained into our day-to-day lives. This immediately captures readers’ attention and provides a needed context for understanding the issue at hand. Shinozuka then employs vivid imagery to personalize her argument and make it more tangible, allowing her readers to visualize the effects of digital addiction: “like zombies with eyes glued to phones rather than looking up at friends, family members, and strangers we pass by everyday." Finally, she finishes off her argument with an effective call-to-action that encourages her audience to take action against digital distractions by reclaiming their focus and connecting face-to-face with loved ones. Through these strategies, she effectively presents an engaging yet powerful argument which successfully persuades its intended audience on the dangers of digital addiction and associated distractedness.