Elaina Beatterman The Digital Parent Trap

Digital Parent Trap

Technology used for communication was created to save time and make work more efficient. In time the dependency on technology increased into other functions, including television, computers and gaming and so has the efficiency. Parents are aware of the impact modern technology has on their children. They are highly concerned with the effects and hope that they won't' fall into the technology trap. Elaina Dockterman, author of the Time article, "The Digital Parent Trap", goes against the prosaic by persuading readers that if used correctly, technology can be beneficial at an early age introduction. Dockterman accomplishes this by effectively using logical appeals, establishing credibility, and applying emotional appeals. Initially, Dockterman states numerous statistics to her audience to catch their attention.

For example, in the fourth paragraph Dockterman utilized data to build her argument, by stating that the upcoming year will be the most tech savvy school year ever.

Her use of data on how Los Angeles school district intends to spend over 30 million in technology is meant to shock the reader and put into perspective, how incredibly important technology is in the classroom today. Dockterman allows for the reader to form their own thoughts about the emphasis others put on the importance of technology. Also, Dockterman initiates her argument of the benefits of early exposure with these statistics. Furthermore, in paragraph fourteen, Dockterman definitely states her argument by including data such as "Students remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 50% of what they see demonstrated, but 90% when interacting and learning hands on. The data allows the reader to visualize and persuades the acceptance of Dockterman’s claims of validly on why schools are investing in technology. Dockterman uses logic when stating that technology is here to stay, and as schools embrace it, YOU should

too.
In addition to logical appeal, Dockterman builds her argument by establishing her credibility. She achieves this by introducing both sides of the argument in her article, and then refuting the extremist side (no technology whatsoever). She indicates in paragraph eight that, cyberbullying is a risk which can cause children to have feelings of depression and insecurity. Also, too much screen time can lead to health issues such as obesity. Dockterman then disproves that statement by showing in paragraph twelve that social networking sites also offer extraordinary learning opportunities. The evidence she included was a SRI study, stating that people who played educational games like Samorost did 12% better on logic tests than those who did not. The introduction of a counterclaim with evidence, and then disproving it throughout the article, Dockterman again builds her credibility. She allows the reader to see that she is not biased- only showing the benefits- but also showing the harmful effects of too much technology can cause. Dockterman disproving the counter argument emphasizes the fact that there are two sides to every argument and fully embraces that idea.
Finally, Dockterman provides an emotional appeal to wrap up her argument. In paragraph sixteen, Dockterman includes an interview with a public-school principal, of a low-income neighborhood. In the interview, Principal Jackson states, “If you look at applying for a college or job, that's on the computer... If we're not exposing our students to this stuff early, they are going to be left behind". Jackson clearly implies the urgency to increase effectiveness of technology in public schools to better prepare students for the future. By stating the hardest challenges in life, such as applying for acceptance to college or simply applying for a job, Dockterman reaches into the reader's conscience, identifying that action must be taken to increase technology's effectiveness so that we do not let our children fall behind.
In closing, Eliana Dockterman effectively includes logos, ethos, and pathos appeals to persuade the reader that early introduction and frequent exposure to technology has major benefits. The use of data to inform the reader of increasing technology, disproving the counterargument to increase credibility, and appealing to readers emotions, Dockterman clearly establishes her point view, technology needs to be embraced and the benefits will speak for themselves.