Rhetorical Analysis of “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” by Jean M. Twenge
Choose an article to read and analyze for this assignment. See the “Choosing an Article” section Writer's choice: “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? ” by Jean M. Twenge or
Read the article that you will be analyzing.
Read the article a second time. As you read, identify the thesis, and think about who the intended audience might be.
Research the author to learn about their background. You do not need to include biographical information about the author in your rhetorical analysis essay, but if you do choose to include such information, be sure to cite your source(s) appropriately.
Learn more about the magazine, website, journal, or other venue in which the article was originally published. This might also tell you something about who the intended audience is. Again, you do not need to include this information in your own essay, but if it is relevant or interesting, you may include it; if you do so, be sure to cite your source(s) appropriately.
Return to the article again. Investigate how the writer gets their message across. Think analytically about the article, and take notes about the rhetorical style or techniques that the author employs. Specifically, take note of anything that really stands out—and is repeated. Identify several big things the writer does to get the message to the reader. For an essay of this length, we suggest that you find at least two big things and no more than three.
Rhetorical Analysis of “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” by Jean M. Twenge
Introduction
In the article “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” written by Jean M. Twenge, published in The Atlantic, the author explores the impact of smartphones on the younger generation, specifically those born between 1995 and 2012. Twenge argues that the prevalence of smartphones has led to detrimental effects on mental health, social skills, and overall well-being. Through an analysis of the rhetorical techniques employed by the author, this essay will examine how Twenge conveys her thesis and effectively communicates her message to the intended audience.
Thesis Statement
Through a combination of statistical evidence, emotional appeal, and logical reasoning, Twenge effectively convinces the readers that the excessive use of smartphones has had a detrimental impact on the well-being and development of the younger generation.
Body Paragraphs
1. Statistical Evidence The author employs statistical evidence to support her argument that smartphones have negatively affected the mental health of young individuals. Twenge cites various studies and surveys to demonstrate a rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates among teenagers since the advent of smartphones. For example, she references a national survey which reveals that the number of high school seniors who reported feeling lonely increased significantly between 2012 and 2017. By presenting these statistics, Twenge appeals to logos, providing factual evidence to support her claims and establish her credibility as an expert in the field.
2. Emotional Appeal Twenge also utilizes emotional appeal to evoke empathy from the readers and make her argument more relatable. She paints a vivid picture of the lives of young individuals consumed by their smartphones, lacking face-to-face interactions, and experiencing a constant fear of missing out (FOMO). By capturing the readers’ emotions, Twenge effectively emphasizes the negative consequences of smartphone usage on social skills, personal relationships, and overall happiness. This emotional appeal contributes to pathos, as readers are more likely to pay attention and be persuaded when they can connect with the experiences described.
3. Logical Reasoning In addition to statistical evidence and emotional appeal, Twenge employs logical reasoning to support her argument. She presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship between excessive smartphone use and negative outcomes, such as decreased sleep duration and quality. By explaining how smartphone use disrupts sleep patterns and citing research studies that demonstrate the importance of adequate sleep for mental health and cognitive functioning, Twenge strengthens her argument through logical reasoning. This logical appeal appeals to ethos, as it demonstrates her expertise in the subject matter and her ability to analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
Conclusion
In “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” Jean M. Twenge effectively conveys her thesis by utilizing a combination of statistical evidence, emotional appeal, and logical reasoning. Through the presentation of compelling statistics, she establishes her credibility as an expert on the subject matter. The emotional appeal evokes empathy from the readers and makes her argument relatable, while the logical reasoning strengthens her claims by demonstrating cause-and-effect relationships. As a result, Twenge successfully convinces the intended audience that smartphones have had a detrimental impact on the well-being and development of the younger generation. The article leaves readers contemplating the implications of excessive smartphone use on society as a whole and provides valuable insights into the need for mindful technology consumption.