"Stop Googling, Let's Talk" by Sherry Turkle
"The Touch-Screen Generation" by Hanna Rosin
One. What is dangerous about being able to access stimulation at the swipe of a finger?
The sense of entitlement, impatience, and delusional omnipotence (resulting in fussiness) could point to a transformation into a brat generation.
Another danger is parent laziness syndrome. "Give them the iPad. That'll shut 'em up."
What really speaks to the danger of screen time is that the very apps developers Rosin talks to limit their own children's screen time. Some allow for no screen time.
Two. What is the technological neurosis of our digital age?
We read, "By their pinched reactions, these parents illuminated for me the neurosis of our age: as technology becomes ubiquitous in our lives, American parents are becoming more, not less, wary of what it might be doing to their children."
Parents want their children to master technology. However, they don't want their children to be anti-social: "Otherwise, their child could end up one of those sad, pale creatures who can't make eye contact and has an avatar for a girlfriend."
Part of the fear lies in the unknown. The iPad is so new as of Rosin's essay (published in 2013) that there is not yet any research on its effects on a child's brain.
The new generation are "digital natives"; they grow up fluent in the language of computers, tablets and other devices.
The tablet is a "rattle on steroids," easy to use and quickly sucks the toddler into its world.
Parents are terrified by the transformation they see in their children: "the zombie effect." They go into a trance.
Three. What counterarguments would opponents offer to those who are opposed to iPads?
For one, "Every new medium has, within a short time of its introduction, been condemned as a threat to young people. Pulp novels . . . TV . . ."
For two, if your child has an addictive personality, he may glom onto anything, if not the iPad.
For three, there is evidence that the iPad is an effective educational tool.
For four, too many parents treat the iPad like "junk food," using it "for passing the time in a frivolous way . . ." and the children "will fully absorb that attitude, and the neurosis will be passed to the next generation to the next generation." In other words, the parents, not the iPad, are at fault.
For five, more and more research is showing that iPads are effective tools for helping autistic children.
"Digital Detox, a Tech-Free Retreat for Internet Addicts" by Claire Suddath
One. Does the "constant compulsion to connect" merit something like a "digital detox"?
Even if it works, what happens once we're thrust back into our normal routine? Seems like technology won. It owns us. Eighty percent of us text. Even I do so three times a week or so.
Another criticism I have about "digital detox" is it sounds like first-world problems, that is rich people problems. "Honey, I've just been too connected with my social media. I think I'll fly to Costa Rica and unplug and do yoga at this retreat."
In-Class Activity
Write a thesis with a concession clause at the beginning.
Sample Template of a Concession Clause Followed by a Thesis Statement
While I concede that my opponents make strong arguments about___________ and _________, their arguments do not diminish my contention that _____________ evidenced by _______________, _______________, _____________, and ________________.
Another example:
While my opponents have some worthy points about ____________, their argument collapses when we consider _______________, ______________, ______________, and ___________________.
Using Parallel Structure for Mapping Components of Your Thesis Statement
Faulty and Corrected Parallelism Link
Parallelism in Different Parts of Speech
The theater eaters were hoggish, avaricious, relentless, and made lots of disgusting smacking sounds.
A diet that consists of locally grown vegetables, organic animal proteins, organic dairy, and fish that swim wildly in the open seas promotes strong health.
The diners at HomeTown Buffet smacked their lips and were sweating.
The HomeTown Buffet diners were pleased about the unlimited salad bar and that everyone got five extra slices of chocolate cake.
Corrected: The HomeTown Buffet diners were pleased that they had access to the unlimited salad bar and that they could have five extra slices of chocolate cake.
When it comes to losing weight, it's better to change one's lifestyle than dieting in a manic and compulsive panic.
Corrected: When it comes to losing weight, it's better to change one's lifestyle than to rely on manic, compulsive crash dieting.
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