Mass Media: Beneficial or Detrimental?

     Steven Pinker and Peggy Orenstein both explain the effects of electronic media through their pieces. Even though both pieces have a lighthearted tones each author has a different argument. 

     Steven Pinker explains how “new forms of media have always caused moral panics”. He feels that this is completely unnecessary and that electronic media is good. He uses ethos by incorporating statistics. One example would be when he mentions comic books. In the 1950s crime was falling to “record lows”, as oppose to rising because of comic books. He appeals to the current world by pointing out that today even the most accomplished scientists use programs such as Powerpoint to get their point across. This program does not hinder them, but instead makes them more effective. Pinker uses logos to explain how electronic media is not harmful, and that it depends on how a person decides to use it. “Music doesn’t make you better at math, conjugating Latin doesn’t make you more logical...” He closes off his piece with ethos by offering advice that reinforces his point. “The solution is not to bemoan technology but to develop strategies of self-control, as we do with every other temptation in life.”

     Peggy Orenstein on the other hand uses her personal experiences to state her argument against electronic media. She explains that it is easy to become superficial and over involved in it. Constantly, she grapples with her urge to tweet. Orenstein uses pathos when she describes the outdoor scene of listening to The Trumpet and the Swan along with her daughter. This personal anecdote makes her relatable. Numerous times we constantly fight the urge to tweet about our lives and find some way to make a moment more artistic than what it is. Ethos comes in when Ornenstein brings up sociologist Erving Goffman. He thought that “life is performance”, which can sometimes happen with Twitter. Ornestein demonstrates logos when she explains how when we are constantly trying to expose ourselves over social media but change this around so we can seem more appealing. “The self {is} increasingly becoming externally manufactured rather than internally developed”.

     After reading both these convincing arguments I would have to say I agree more with Steven Pinker. Even though it is easy to lose sight of oneself in electronic media, I feel as though people should have a sense of responsibility and control. It is up to you whether you choose to publicize your life or not. If electronic media is used constructively I think it is more of a benefit than a detriment. It allows us to be informed about current events quickly, become unified with other people, and be creative. If electronic media is used positively, people exercise self control and apply limits it should contribute to society.