Locating and identifying a false or grossly misleading claim on the internet and then “debunking”

You are tasked with locating and identifying a false or grossly misleading claim on the internet and then “debunking” it. Examples of found cyber-objects that could be “debunked” include, but are not limited to: memes, political propaganda, “news” stories, fabricated “facts,” etc. The more popular/viral the found cyber-object, the better. Your analysis should include the following components: What is the rhetorical exigence of the found cyber-object? In other words, of what is it trying to persuade people? How does the style and content of the found cyber-object render it effective in its rhetorical intent? For this part of your analysis, you might wish to consult the list of​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍​ logical and rhetorical fallacies, the electracy chart, the delivery of the cyber-object, etc. How and why is the found cyber-object false or misleading? How would a counter-rhetoric (concerned with “truth”) be most effective? Refer to many examples we have done in class when considering how to best approach this assignment.

Sample Solution