Noah Comm 211

 In recent years, the surge of online arguments on platforms like Twitter and Facebook has led to new concerns about well-being and the quality of discourse. One key issue is the lack of face-to-face accountability, allowing individuals to hide behind screens while sharing hurtful and derogatory remarks. I chose the online argument about whether the person flying in the middle seat gets both armrests because it's a common and relatable topic that many people have strong opinions about. This argument highlights how quickly online discussions can escalate and become unproductive. The topic is light enough to avoid intense personal attacks but still showcases typical online argument behavior. Source:  Airplane Debate About Middle Seat Armrests Has Twitter Divided   and  Twitter poll about middle seat armrests on planes divides the internet | Mashable this Twitter debate on middle seat armrests  The Three Negative Examples and Concerns: Lack of Empathy: Participants...

In the digital age, where online communication reigns supreme, the ability to analyze and construct persuasive arguments is more crucial than ever. The Toulmin method, a model of argumentation developed by philosopher Stephen Toulmin, offers a robust framework for this purpose. This blog post will explore the key components of the Toulmin method—claim, data, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal—and illustrate how they can be effectively applied to online discussions, debates, and social media interactions. Additionally, we will discuss the potential limitations of the Toulmin method in online environments and the importance of critical thinking and information literacy. Key Components of the Toulmin Method The claim is the assertion or main point that needs to be proven. It forms the foundation of any argument and is the statement the arguer wants the audience to accept. Example: Climate change is primarily caused by human activities.  Data consists of the evidence and facts t...

  In today's digital age, distinguishing between facts, opinions, and beliefs has become a crucial skill, especially when it comes to online communication. Whether it's a casual chat on social media or a formal discussion in an online forum, being able to tell the difference between these elements can help you navigate the sea of information more effectively. Understanding Facts, Opinions, and Beliefs A fact is something that can be verified. It's based on objective evidence and can be proven true or false. For instance, "World War II ended in 1945" is a fact because it's supported by historical records. Facts are essential for building strong arguments and making informed decisions (Writing@CSU, n.d.). An opinion, on the other hand, is a judgment based on facts. It's a personal interpretation of information and can vary from person to person. For example, you might think that national health insurance is necessary because many people lack proper medical c...

The Narrative Paradigm theory by Walter Fisher emphasizes that all meaningful communication is a form of storytelling. This perspective can greatly illuminate how truth is communicated and perceived through media and public discourse in our society today. The Media's Role in Determining Truth Agenda Setting: Media has the power to shape public perception by highlighting certain issues over others. This is often achieved through the selection and emphasis of particular stories, which guides the public's understanding of what is important. Framing: The way information is presented (the "frame") influences how the audience interprets it. This includes the language used, the context provided, and the emphasis on particular aspects of a story. Gatekeeping: Media outlets act as gatekeepers by deciding which information is disseminated and which is not. This role can significantly affect what the public perceives as truth. For example, Fox News is one of the most popular con...