Helen Ahmad

9/16/22

Eng. 151

The Fear of the New

The world we live in is constantly changing, and as time goes on, the digital world we’ve

created is evolving just as fast or not more rapidly. It is inevitable that some people will be afraid

of the changes and will condemn the internet as it continues to grow and become such an

important part of everyone's daily lives. The main component which is leading to these mix

reactions is the various genres and captivating features which are right under our fingertips.

There are some people in society who are finding it difficult adjusting to these changes and are

afraid of what will happen if they leave their comfort zones and enter a new world due to the

quick expansion and creation of new technology. In Kenneth Goldsmiths Op-ed titled, “Go

Ahead: Waste Time on the Internet,” he addresses the concerns and criticisms raised by the

critics and sheds light on the value of the internet as a tool for learning and communication with

both our community and the rest of the world. For this reason, Goldsmith analyzes and persuades

the skeptics without pressuring them to adopt a particular point of view, but rather to

comprehend the advantages of the internet so they can develop their own, fresh viewpoint on the

subject. I believe, Kenneth Goldsmith makes a compelling case that the internet is a useful tool

that isn't only a "Waste of time," but rather a need in modern life. He presents his case by

outlining the benefits using the classic essay format and pointing out the criticism through the

means of a counter argument. He allows the audience to select the side they prefer while still
making a strong case. I think his strategy was successful and will persuade the audience to

support him.

Kenneth Goldsmith highlights the criticism that has been leveled at the internet by

its critics through the “They Say” and counters it through the “I Say.” Goldsmith brings up

the frequently raised argument that "our brains are being wired," as if it were a negative attribute.

The internet is a constantly evolving multiverse that cannot be viewed through one particular

lens. As Goldsmith says, "Wouldn’t it be strange if in the midst of this digital revolution we were

still expected to use our brains in the same way we read books or watched TV?" If the internet

and those around us accept the change but we don't, how will we be able to fit into our own

world? Wouldn't it be worse to be excluded from society as a result of our close-mindedness and

aversion to change? The critics fear that the younger generation would come to see "the real

world as fake" (Goldsmith 10), nevertheless Goldsmith brings up the significance of social

media and how much of a role it plays in our lives by using his own situation and life as an

example to connect with the audience and build trust. He says, “How is my life on Facebook any

less “real” than what happens in my day-to-day life? In fact, much of what does happen in my

day-to-day life comes from Facebook” (Goldsmith. 10) Everything is rapidly becoming digital

from robot workers and/ or assistants to apps that are our main way of communicating with

family that’re across the world. So, the acceptance of technology is needed as it paves the

gateway to the future.

In order to write a powerful and persuasive article, Goldsmith makes use of his

understanding of the audience. As we all know, Goldsmith's primary target audience for this

article is anxious parents. Using this knowledge, he uses criticisms that echo those of parents,

such as the idea that social media makes people more "antisocial," "distracted," or "shallow.”
Goldsmith includes firsthand experience’s which are related to parents and children. One

example is of Goldsmith’s friend’s daughter. The mother mistakenly believed that her daughter

was "wasting time" online when, in fact, "she was connecting with a community of girls her own

age who shared similar interests." Due to this, Goldsmith's friend, "reconsider her premise that

her daughter was just wasting time on the Internet; instead, she was fully engaged, fostering an

aesthetic, feeding her imagination, indulging in her creative proclivities, and hanging out with

her friends.” (Goldsmith.12). By incorporating situations which could relate back to the

audience, Goldsmith creates a strong and effective argument that’ll resonate with those who read

his article.

Throughout the Op-Ed, Goldsmith uses the power of diction to form a relationship and

trust among him and his audience. He wants to change the audience's apprehension by dissecting

and refuting these allegations about the internet. Words like "you," "our," "us," and "we," among

others, are used by Goldsmith to establish a connection and instill trust among his audience. He

also incorporates first person experiences to relate with the readers. This trust will give what he

says in the "I Say" section of his article great significance and impact. An example is when

Goldsmith said, “I’m told that our children are most at risk, that the excessive use of computers

has led our kids to view the real world as fake. But I’m not so sure that even I can distinguish

“real” from “fake.”” (Goldsmith. 10). The use of “I” and “our” is powerful, it helps the audience

which consists of parents, put trust in the writer as kids is an important factor when thinking

about the usage of technology. By stating that “even I can’t distinguish “real” from “fake””

Goldsmith proves that the fright of kids being on technology is no different from those of adults.

The reality is that the internet is all around us and if we can’t step out of our comfort zone and

embrace change, that’s no different than living in a “gated communities.”

 Goldsmith doesn’t quite end his article but instead leaves it open for people to form their

own opinions. He never intended to force you to adopt his viewpoints; rather, he wanted to make

sure you understood how important the internet is and the major part it plays in our lives and in

the future. By incorporating personal experiences, Goldsmith tends to build a trust with his

audience and persuade them to understand and look at the internet from a different viewpoint. By

utilizing the knowledge of who his audience is, he directly incorporates experiences and

analogies that involve those of a parent and child so that what he says is being taken in and

persuades them. Overall, Goldsmith's "Go Ahead Waste Time on the Internet" is a persuasive

Op-Ed that persuades its readers with evidence that will grab their attention and get them to stop

and think.

Citation:

Goldsmith, Kenneth. “Go Ahead: Waste Time on the Internet.” They Say I Say. W.W.
Baltimore Sun and Los Angeles Times. 2016. www.baltimoresun.com/la-oe-
goldsmith-wasting-time-internet-20160812-snap-story.html.
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