Rhetorical Analysis of “How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually” by Max
Choose an article to read and analyze for this assignment. See the “Choosing an Article” section below for details.
Writer's choice: “How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually ” by Max Rea
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 “How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually” by Max Read
Introduction
In the article “How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually” written by Max Read, the author explores the prevalence of fake content on the internet and its impact on society. The article was published by New York Magazine, targeting a broad audience interested in current affairs and digital culture. Through an analysis of the rhetorical techniques employed by the author, this essay will examine how Read conveys his thesis and effectively communicates his message to the intended audience.
Thesis Statement
Through the use of anecdotes, statistical evidence, and logical reasoning, Read effectively convinces the readers that a substantial portion of online content is fabricated, revealing the extent of misinformation and manipulation prevalent in the digital world.
Body Paragraphs
1. Anecdotes The author skillfully incorporates anecdotes throughout the article to engage the readers and make the issue of fake content relatable. Read shares stories of individuals who have created or encountered fake online personas, highlighting the deceptive nature of these fabricated identities. By presenting real-life examples, such as a social media influencer’s fraudulent followers or a fake restaurant on Yelp, Read captures the readers’ attention and helps them understand the widespread nature of fake content. These anecdotes contribute to pathos, as they evoke emotions and create a personal connection with the readers.
2. Statistical Evidence Read utilizes statistical evidence to support his argument about the prevalence of fake content on the internet. He references studies and surveys that reveal alarming figures, such as the percentage of bot-driven traffic on websites or the number of fake social media accounts. By presenting these statistics, Read appeals to logos, providing factual evidence to support his claims and strengthen his argument. This use of statistical evidence enhances his credibility as an author and reinforces his thesis.
3. Logical Reasoning In addition to anecdotes and statistics, Read employs logical reasoning to support his argument about the impact of fake content on society. He explains how the proliferation of fake news and online manipulation can lead to misinformation, distrust, and polarization among individuals. By linking these consequences to real-world events, such as political elections or public health crises, Read establishes logical connections between fake content and its potential harms. This logical appeal appeals to ethos, as it demonstrates his expertise in the subject matter and his ability to analyze information critically.
Conclusion
In “How Much of the Internet Is Fake? Turns Out, a Lot of It, Actually” Max Read effectively conveys his thesis through a combination of anecdotes, statistical evidence, and logical reasoning. The use of relatable anecdotes engages the readers and makes the issue of fake content more tangible. The inclusion of statistical evidence strengthens his argument by providing factual support for his claims. Additionally, his logical reasoning helps establish a cause-and-effect relationship between fake content and its societal impact. As a result, Read successfully convinces the intended audience about the extent of online fabrication and urges readers to critically evaluate information found on the internet. The article leaves readers contemplating the prevalence of misinformation in their digital lives and highlights the need for media literacy skills in navigating the vast online landscape.