Margaret Talbot is a well-known writer that has work published in many newspapers, such as; The New Yorker, The New Republic, and The Atlantic Monthly. In one of her articles, Brain Gain: The Underground world of "Neuroenhancing" Drugs, Talbot addresses the growing problem of drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin for personal gain rather than for medical purposes. Talbot writes to make people aware of the variety of people using these drugs. She makes the point that if society is demanding so much from people that their brain needs enhancing to keep up, society is demanding too much. Talbot persuades people that taking these 'neuroenchancing' drugs is a widespread problem by: using examples of a government employed researcher all the way down to an
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This helps readers understand that this is a relevant issue that is more complex than a few people using drugs for self enhancement. For example, Talbot begins by narrating “Alex” who is one example of a student that uses ‘neuroenhancers’. Talbot then explains how wide spread the problem is by mentioning ‘BoredAt Web sites’ that allows college students to chat. Many students mindlessly discuss Adderall and Ritalin, “I took Adderall at 8 pm, it’s 6:30 am and I have hardly blinked” (para. 9). And, “I don’t want to be at a disadvantage to everyone else. Is it really that dangerous” (para. 9). These quotes show that Alex is not a single incident, not only are students taking drugs for non-medical purposes but other kids are feeling pressured to take it. The frequent use of the drug implies that doctors are giving it would without much thought. Due to so many kids taking ‘neuroenhancers’, it shows that the education system may be evolving faster than students can adapt to which leaves them feeling that they need something to get their brain to work
This helps readers understand that this is a relevant issue that is more complex than a few people using drugs for self enhancement. For example, Talbot begins by narrating “Alex” who is one example of a student that uses ‘neuroenhancers’. Talbot then explains how wide spread the problem is by mentioning ‘BoredAt Web sites’ that allows college students to chat. Many students mindlessly discuss Adderall and Ritalin, “I took Adderall at 8 pm, it’s 6:30 am and I have hardly blinked” (para. 9). And, “I don’t want to be at a disadvantage to everyone else. Is it really that dangerous” (para. 9). These quotes show that Alex is not a single incident, not only are students taking drugs for non-medical purposes but other kids are feeling pressured to take it. The frequent use of the drug implies that doctors are giving it would without much thought. Due to so many kids taking ‘neuroenhancers’, it shows that the education system may be evolving faster than students can adapt to which leaves them feeling that they need something to get their brain to work