Rhetorical Analysis: The Digital Parent Trap

In “the Digital Parent Trap”, Eliana Dockterman presents a case on the

controversial effects of technology in a new generation about to be saturated by it.

She explores both aspects of the debate- the side that embraces the technology as

helpful learning tool and the faction that considers technology as a unnecessary

obstruction to education. In illustrating this controversy from a double perspective,

she utilizes a few major requisites for stylistic literature, especially numerical data

and citations that establish the ethos of the writer and lines that touch the pathos of

the reader.

One does not have to adjourn in their reading to notice the abundant amount

of statistical data the author utilizes to develop her point. No rhetorical data can be

In doing so, the author provide

concrete evidence that compels the reader to believe the validity of both side of the

However, a more prevalent feature of the passage is the dominant quantity

of quotations from professions relevant to the advent of a technological age which

allow the author to instate her ethos. Through a quotation from an author of a

relevant book “they’re a load of crap…meant to make money” Eliana presents the

standpoint that opposes the use of technology in education as substantiated. Then

she also turns 180 degrees to provide evidence for applied technology in the

classroom, citing an expert, “If you look at applying for college or a job, that’s on

the computer”. By the credulity provided by the specialists establishes a platform

for the writer to appeal to the readers of the article’s citable nature.

Further, the author attempts to even stir the pathos of the reader by creating

a relevance to quotidian family life. “So who’s right- the mom trying to protect her

kids from the perils of the new technology or the dad who’s coaching his kids to

embrace it?” she writes. It is the stereotypical nature of this example that appeal