Post-Research Paper Reflection

The use of media is key in creating a well-reasoned and appealing argument which a fundamental part of writing. During the course of this class, I’ve really enjoyed using scientific journal articles because they offer results and valid assessments of the validity of the conclusion made through the research. In addition to the journal articles, I’ve enjoyed using pictures, especially political cartoons as some artists find a striking balance between the art of caricatures while also drawing attention to global issues. But to be quite honest, I enjoy working with all forms of media because any form has the ability to make an argument well supported so long as the author made sure to objectively evaluate their claims before coming to a conclusion. Working with a lot of journals has really given me a better gauge of the caliber of writing expected out of higher level academia. That being said, I’m excited to begin working on a multimedia project in which I can again utilize a various number of unique sources to present an argument and support it. For the next project,  I think it would be interesting to produce some sort of video or other visual aspect that will not only entice an audience but be able to effectively persuade the intended audience of my viewpoint.  A more visual-orientated paper proves to be a slight challenge as it requires a greater depth of creativity to rely upon in order to make a visually effective argument. While most individuals find it easy to express their viewpoint, it is not always as easy to formulate a well-organized argument supported with credible sources while at the same time retaining the aesthetics that appeal to the audience by more than just the text. However, I am confident that I will be able to produce an effective argument utilizing many different forms of media.

Class Thus Far

So far this class has generally helped me become a better, more organized writer. Writing skills seem to be undervalued and basic literacy becoming somewhat warped in today’s society. The presentation of information is highly dependent on the author’s ability to coherently and effectually compile the ideas in an easy to read manner that will keep the intended audience engaged and instill the main points. The effect of a piece relies, in part, on the elements of rhetoric and tactical persuasive appeals to the different faculties. From the class, it has been interesting to view and discuss the different ways that advertisers and authors alike utilize rhetorical appeals in order to entice an audience and convince a population of a certain mindset. In this way, the power of words and images in media have frighteningly significant influence all due to the style in which an idea was conceptualized and delivered to the audience.

                A more research-orientated paper proves to be a slight challenge as it requires a greater depth of knowledge to rely upon in order to make an effective argument. While most individuals find it easy to express their viewpoint, it is not always as easy to formulate a well-organized argument supported with credible sources. Not only must one rely on others’ work in the field, they must be careful to choose appropriate sources that accurately reflect the points being made in the paper/piece. However, I am enthused to research a topic and create a persuasive argument that logically and clearly expresses a concern that can be regarded seriously based on the quality of both writing and research. Most importantly, it is imperative that the research used to bolster an argument is used in the correct context so as to not alter the audience’s perception of the sources’ original intentions. Overall, the class has given me a deeper appreciation for quality writing and effective argument creation.

Research Log Entry

1. Is Mobile Email Addiction Overlooked?
From: ACM Digital Library
http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1735237

     This source provides an interesting perspective of the addictive qualities of a simple use of technology. This scholarly articles explores the depths of addiction forming habits associated with the extensive use of a technology; in this case, cellular phones with email capabilities are evaluated for their potential as an addiction-forming device. This source may useful in exploring the prevalence of technology addiction in the United States, more specifically within America's youth.

2. Internet addiction: A handbook and guide to evaluation and treatment.  

From: Google books

 

     This book targets the advent of the internet and how its role has shaped society through its extensive capabilities. Broaches a multitude of internet vices such as gaming, gambling, shopping, and pornography. Also includes sections on treatment, prevention and adolescent internet addiction. The source will prove useful in identifying the risks and prevalence of technology dependence amongst young adults. 

3. "Student 'addiction to technology similar to 'drug cravings', study finds" 
From: The Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8436831/Student-addiction-to-technology-similar-to-drug-cravings-study-finds.html
      
     This article reports that science has found technology addiction to be akin to drug addiction in that users experience withdraw-like symptoms. Aside from that, some users experience confusion in the absence of their devices. I would have to look into the credibility of the research involved, it is an interesting find that may or may not be as prevalent as one might believe. A source such as this would help develop the effect of technology physically on people rather than in a societal scope.

Acedemic Integrity Pledge

As one bridges the gap between high school and college, the standards for academic achievement are no doubt of a higher caliber as compared to previous work. In a highly academic environment, it is important to take the furthering of one’s education seriously and with great pride. Plagiarism at a college level damages not only the individual’s academic reputation but also that of the university and its many students. Not properly citing the use of another’s words, thoughts, ideas or any published work discredits the hard work that others have put forth to achieve. Taking this information without giving due credit, either consciously or unconsciously, is an extremely serious violation that undermines the principles of higher education, morality, and life success.

Although we’re filled with the cliché moral that “Winners never cheat and cheaters never win” from a young age, many still fail to understand the gravity of cheating in some instances. Academic dishonesty only serves to disadvantage the individual with regard to the high standard of knowledge expected out of collegiate studies. The certification in an area of study loses merit if one in not properly equipped with the knowledge that the degree demands. In certain fields, lack of knowledge can in extreme cases result in fatal errors that would otherwise be preventable with the knowledge necessary to your specialty.

I personally seek to accept the rigors of collegiate level work and the challenges it provides for the sake of furthering my education so that I later pursue my goals with the proper knowledge and integrity that is expected. As such, I will not share my work nor accept the work of others as my own because it undermines the full extent of my own ability. If I seek to truly succeed in my life’s endeavors, I will strive to uphold the principles of academic integrity.

Facebook Facades

                Facebook photos can offer the individual a unique perspective of another’s life through the stylistic elements present in that snapshot. While not all of these elements are intentional, they nonetheless contribute to the rhetorical effectiveness of the media. The photos on one’s Facebook profile undoubtedly craft a certain portrayal of that person whether or not these characteristics belong to the person in question. However, each of these moments are captured and later shared with the world to persuade onlookers that the subject of the photograph is to be perceived in the desired fashion as with any form of expression. A self-analysis of my own Facebook profile picture reveals the purposeful and implied rhetorical ploys that determine the persuasion of my picture.

                The invention of my argument begins with the message that I want to deliver to the world or the main idea. In this context, I feel it appropriate to deem the purpose of this photograph was to persuade my friends that I am an eccentric individual who enjoys humor in all settings. This all manifests through my choice of posing in a child’s racecar ride in a mall. To further this argument, I considered the arrangement of the elements in the photograph. I chose to have the picture taken from the side with the primary focus on me. Arrangement also considers  the setting in which I chose to take the picture; the choice of the mall implies that I disregard the scrutiny of the public in order to attempt humor in my own fashion. The style of my argument is perhaps the most significant as it employs all of my unique characteristics to persuade. While I was indoors, I felt it necessary to put on my sunglasses for purposeful effect to aid in the contrast of cool and not cool. The combination of invention, arrangement and style are all represented as part of the rhetorical persuasion that my photo seeks to achieve. However, it ultimately falls upon the audience as to whether or not it receives the desired attention.   

Rhetoric in Daily Life

Rhetoric surrounds the individual in all facets of engagement in which one might find himself or herself. As communication technology exponentially develops, the presence of rhetoric will also increase with an even greater number of mediums with which to engage the public. Currently, the internet seems to dominate this realm of rhetorical persuasion in which the average user is subjected to a cripplingly large amount of advertisements en route to a website that will likely include media imploring the use of rhetoric. For example, if one were to watch a Youtube video, he or she would likely watch a video advertisement for a car company before watching the intended video. In an increasingly technological society, rhetoric plays a significant role in my life as well as that of many others as companies persuade the public to buy the technology that enables them to be further immersed in the rhetorical ploys of news sites, advertisements, mobile applications, etc. Without technologies, the extent of rhetoric in my daily life is still surprising. Fliers and billboards still clutter barren walls and roads respectively perhaps even to a greater extent living in a college town where any number of sentiments or announcements may posted given such a diverse student base. Still the elements of rhetoric persist in each of these mediums, engaging the audience and enticing a provocation of thought whether it be a concert poster or an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause. As I am exposed to rhetoric in day to day dealings, I also exert my own persuasion through rhetorical situations. When convincing someone not to do something, it’s often easy to assume the slippery slope argument which appeals to logos in regards to rhetoric. While a fallacy in logic, the appeal to logos is nevertheless the same and seeks to persuade one by the argument that one minor decision can determine the course of events given no evidence of a correlation between the two. However, in any social interaction, I implore rhetoric in my every day speech and conversations, making direct and indirect appeals to the logos, pathos and ethos of my “audience” just as any other individual does. As we’re constantly exposed to rhetoric in our daily lives, at what point does society become completely desensitized to certain, if not all, aspects of rhetorical persuasion?