In her essay, “Disconnected”, Lynda Smith argues that today’s technological forward movements are taking over our basic human interactions. She explains that we are being brainwashed into believing that cell phone, computers and other technological gadgets help us to stay connected smoothly and instantaneously. However, the reality is by using these gadgets we are not experiencing face to face communications; instead we are increasing the distance between us. Lynda Smith tries to connect with readers emotions by pointing out misleading cell phone carrier’s commercials and slogans. Smith also uses further facts to support her claims that cell phone carriers have lied to us and succeeded by providing false information by repetition. This false advertisement has the customer believe these companies are trustworthy and customer friendly. Even more, she uses CIA’s data base information to show the number of cell phone and internet users, in order to conclude her theory on commercials influencing our choices to purchase these services. Furthermore, Smith connects with people who have been affected by false advertising. Smith's example portrays a man who was lead to believe, he would save time by owning a cell phone. However, the truth is, there is no saving time. Smith claims big corporations are just out to warp our sense of time, so that we really end up with less, while still buying their products and jumping on the bandwagon. Smith ends her arguments by stating we all have individual choice to decide how we communicate with our close ones. Will it be by fast forwarding technology, or face to face interaction? Either way, in her opinion we need to stay updated with technology in order progress forwards, but we can not depend on it.
Work cited
Lynda Smith “Disconnected” Rhetorical Summary”. Inventing Arguments. Boston: WAADSWORTH CENGAGE Learning, Mauk, John, and John Metz