Rhetorical Analysis Of Nicholas Carr's 'Is Google Making USupid?'

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In Nicholas Carr’s article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” he speaks of the effect recent technological advances and methods of portraying information has had on today’s society. The author opens by stating that the relatively recent creation of the internet has hampered the metal processes of everyday life. He uses examples he has faced in his own life due to the evolution of a high-tech culture. For example he says that he has realized his recent inability to sit for a long stretch of time and read, a setback he had not dealt with in years past. Carr then gives an instance where a pathologist, staffed by the University of Michigan Medical School, has faced similar problems, saying that he has a hard time retaining information after three to …show more content…
One technique the author effectively uses is giving several examples that help to support his claim. First he speaks of an experiment conducted by University College London. The study, monitoring internet use over a five-year period, showed habits of skimming. This example was not only correctly placed within the article, but also supported the author’s theory of a society that needs short pieces of information. Another situation Carr uses in order to prove his point is the instance of Friedrich Nietzsche. In the Nineteenth Century Nietzsche had had very severe writers block. But when he purchased a typewriter and learned how to use it healed him, “Words could once again flow from his mind to the page” (Carr 172). This example also supports the authors claims because it shows the impact technology can have on …show more content…
The tone of the piece is very conversational. Although it is about the effects of advancing technology on society, the article is still very engaging. For example in the second paragraph Carr speaks of his own issues with reading. This draws in the reader because it is a relatable situation. Within his use of tone, is his subtle use of imagery. In one paragraph Carr says, “Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a jet ski” (170). This use of imagery also draws in the reader, and gives life to a topic that is very factual. In Nicholas Carr’s article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” he explains the many different ways society has been and is being effected by new technological advances. The author uses several appropriate techniques in order to support his main theory. Such as examples, tone, and imagery. These techniques make this piece of writing effective, and drive the reader to take on similar thoughts of the

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