Rhetorical Analysis: The Digital Parent Trap

In an effort to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology, Eliana Dockterman builds her argument in her article, “The Digital Parent Trap”. Dockterman begins building her credibility with reputable sources, using logos appeal by statistics, and successfully employing opposing views to counter argue to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of her argument. By citing reputable sources such as school principals and an anthropologist from University of California at Irvine, Dockterman effective use of ethos strengthens the credibility of her article. Arguing that early exposure to technology is beneficial, it is only logical that Dockterman include a quote from “Shawn Jackson, principal of Spencer Tech”. Dockterman use of citing a principal, a person well acquainted with what is best for the children’s education, strengthens her credibility on her stance on early exposure to technology. By referencing a quote from “Mimi Ito, an anthropologist at the University of California at

Dockterman appeals to the audience by noting, “students can remember only 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 50% of what they see demonstrated, and the virtual worlds on iPads or laptops- that retention rate skyrockets to 90%”. Traditional methods of teaching has been effective as illustrated by the student retention percentage after reading, hearing, and seeing a demonstration. However, it is evident that the use of technology, which helps students remember 90% of a subject, is by far, the most effective teaching tool. Dockterman includes this statistic to persuade the audience that since technology can outcompete traditional methods of learning, it is logical that exposing technology to children at a young age will be beneficial. The use of logos by statistics allows Dockterman to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of her