Rhetorical Analysis Of Millennials Search For Identity

After carefully reading Rachel Lowry’s article entitled, “Straddling Online and Offline Profiles, Millennials Search for Identity”, the major rhetorical features appear to be the concepts of ethos and logos. Throughout the pages, there were many instances where the author used real-life examples to further explain the distinction between online and actual identities. According to Lowry, “Millennials, the term given for those born between 1980 and 2000, may be suffering from an identity crisis as they search for their authentic self” (500). Lowry’s work applies to sand’s article because two out of the three modes of persuasion are used to build credibility and logic, as a means of delivering the overall message to the reader. In addition, Sands states, “Learning the basic rhetorical concepts will not only empower you as a writer and speaker, they will empower you as a reader, a viewer, a consumer, and a citizen.” Lowry appeals to the audience by gathering opinions, using statistical evidence, and using credible sources to

People shift from their personal identities and online identities by overstating their credentials on social networking sites. Lowry states, “For many millennials, however, self-branding can bleed into narcissism or the creation of a false persona. According to Mariah Hanaike, “It’s almost necessary to be a little bit narcissistic… If you want to get noticed, or if you want someone to see your qualifications, you have to show them, lest you get swept away from the tide” (502). Credibility is of great importance when it comes to persuading listeners to accept an author’s argument. Sands states, “ You also build ethos as you write by using tone and style that are appropriate to the situation.” Lowry attempts to persuade readers through the use of honest and impartial sources related to the