The article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” written by Nicholas Carr contains a wide range of rhetorical appeals as well as a friendly tone that draws the reader into Carr’s message of the hindrance the internet is to our intelligence. His use of these tools helps support his article given that rhetorical appeals and his voice bring an elevated level to his writing to connect with the reader.
Carr’s opening paragraph is an appeal to pathos, as he uses a description of a scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey. The introduction in the form of a recitation of the scene was directed at those who already share the paranoia and fear of a dystopia whose catalyst was the advancement of technology. This choice reflects the picture painted in our minds by the pessimism of the day that our technological advances inevitably fail us or worse, turn on us; the day that we will have to “disconnect” from our legacy of technology. He then uses a quote from the supercomputer HAL as a transition into his next paragraph, demonstrating his mastery of language.
The next rhetorical weapon wielded with poise by the author is a combination of pathos and ethos as he goes on to reference anecdotes from personal experiences and the experiences of some of his colleagues. The anecdotal paragraphs reinforce the idea that this affliction is less likely to be in his head as it is affecting and being observed by a number of those whom he believes to be credible sources. Even if their credentials cannot be verified, this choice adds a little bit of weight to his words as well as relates to us as individuals rather than taking the stance of a man behind a podium who talks down to his intellectual inferiors. It gives the impression that you can trust him.
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A combination of ethos and logos is next. References to respected historical figures reinforce an appeal to ethical identity, and their opinions of technology, namely as presented in the text by Socrates, provide much inherent logic for including him in the text. He even cites an opinion centuries-old that still seems to hold much insight into the worrisome nature of human beings as our tools progress. This offers a nigh impervious objective viewpoint to his essay that encourages you to be skeptical of his position for the sake of truth in accurately identifying the problem he suggests exists. Furthermore, the way that he structures the essay to include an invitation to disagree toward its close is absolutely strategic in its inclusion as well as placement in the text.
Carr, as he wrote, knew the power of voice and tone. Overall, he took to writing this essay in such a way that it would resonate with the personality of a concerned friend or peer. This takes your moral or opinion-filtering defenses down so that you are better able to receive his message without the interference of doubt or suspicion. Due to the tone of his “voice”, he doesn’t come across as an alarmist, but as a friend; a wary pondering to one’s peers out of real concern for all of our well-being that leaves readers more open to the human facet of the writing instead of the detached presentation of the information.
In analyzing this article, Carr’s bag of tricks he keeps at his disposal is revealed to the reader. He knew the power of his word choices and how to appeal to every side of a reader’s rhetorical appeals. By using such a mixed bag of tools, Carr was able to create a flowing and informative article that didn't leave the reader feeling brainwashed or tricked; just informed and ready to debate.
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Is Google Making Us Stupid’: Rhetorical Analysis Essay.
(2023, October 27). Edubirdie. Retrieved April 30, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/is-google-making-us-stupid-rhetorical-analysis-essay/
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Is Google Making Us Stupid’: Rhetorical Analysis Essay [Internet]. Edubirdie.
2023 Oct 27 [cited 2024 Apr 30].
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