Jordyn Aldrich

Mrs. Briggs
ENG-1010 11:30AM
10/6/15
Weve All Gone Robot
The Influencing Machines Rhetorical Analysis

In the article The Influencing Machines, written by Brooke Gladstone and illustrated by
Josh Neufeld, Gladstone opens with a group of people standing on a mounting asking, Which
way do we go? (331). Gladstones connecting statement to this question is that people drift
towards people with similar thoughts, flocking together like birds of a feather (331).
Gladstones word choice and figurative language set the tone for the article right out of the gate
by creating the allusion that a group of people with a common interest are at a pivotal point and
unable to make a decision. As the article goes on, the topic is revealed to be about technology
giving more power to Gladstones imagery and connecting to the readers emotions by discussing
a topic that heavily affects the daily lives of every human being in todays society.
Based off her word choice and sources, the tone that Gladstone sets in her first few pages
is one of concern and repulsion towards the advancement of technology. She uses the phrase
incestuous amplification (332), which was a word first used by military planners operating
without correct knowledge. She uses this phrase to express the outcome of impermeable echo
chambers (332) or web pages where like-minded people spread thoughts and ideas. Her first
outside source, Cass Sunstein (332), speaks of how detrimental these individuals are to society
and how people who talk only to like-minded people grow more extreme (332). Gladstone
establishes more credibility by strategically placing Sunsteins quote when and where she did,
creating more connection and trust with the audience, and then discreetly puts a twist on it all.
Throughout the piece, Gladstone includes herself as a member of the lost people and
appears to add some of her own concern in regards to technological advancements (333); in

Jordyn Aldrich
Mrs. Briggs
ENG-1010 11:30AM
10/6/15
doing so, she builds a bridge for trust between herself and the reader in the sense that she has the
same concerns that others do. While holding on to her emotional appeal with her readers, she
asks the question, How do we develop intellectually or morally if we can evade encounters with
the unfamiliar, the unwelcome, and the unimagined? (333). Gladstone uses author Nicholas
Carrs figurative language to strengthen her point of view that technology is harmful and scary.
Carr states, Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy
on a jet-ski (334); flooding right into the readers imagination and creates an atmosphere that the
reader can relate to by taking a supportive quote that talks about familiar objects. Scuba diving
and jet skiing and familiar concepts that project great imagery and allow for common
understanding as to what Carr is feeling; reading through this section, Carr uses his words to
paint this very picture of how he feels.
Up until this point, Gladstone has appeared supportive to the idea that technology
advancing might not be such a great thing and then she flips the switch by subtly stating,
Technology does change our brains (334), and then begins to add scientific facts as to why this
is a good thing. She brings up points in history where technological advancements were mocked
or condemned because people thought the worst about them (335-336). Gladstone starts with
relatively recent advances that terrified humans when the first came about such as the radio,
television, and even literature. Gladstone talks about the fear that people had when all of these
new technological advances came out and brings comic relief to the situation by subtly
reminding the readers that these are now a part of daily living for most people. Gladstone uses
these facts to support her decision, allowing her credibility and connection with the audience to
remain intact.

Jordyn Aldrich
Mrs. Briggs
ENG-1010 11:30AM
10/6/15
Even though her true stance on the topic was revealed, she continued to provide data
supporting that there is some truth to peoples concerns by informing the readers that actually,
the TV scares do have some very good data behind them (335). Gladstone continue to share that
study after study has found strong links between excessive TV exposure and childhood obesity,
smoking, and sexual activity (335). By providing this data, Gladstone continues to bridge the
gap between the two sides as well as assures the audience that not everything that follows these
technological advancements is always a positive thing. Gladstone goes on to discuss the radio
stating, but the radio was also condemned (336) due to the broadcast of a 1936 issue of
Gramophone (336) which was too scary to be on the radio. While she appeals to the audience
agreeing that technology is scary, Gladstone then reminds the reads that now we celebrate
radios golden age (336) for forcing people to imagine and be creative.
Gladstone takes historical events of television (335), radio (336), and even the early
publishing of literacy (337), to give her audience a different perspective of technological
advancements; while keeping her audience on both sides interested in a way that does not attack
the views or opinions of any party involved. She concludes her piece with author Douglas
Adams words of wisdom, Anything that in the world when youre born is normal and ordinary
(338) he then goes on to say, anything thats invented between when youre 15 and 35 is new
and exciting (338), and lastly, he states anything invented after youre 35 is against the
natural order of things (338). Adams is saying that when we dont understand something we
fear it but when we allow ourselves to be open to these ideas they are things to be excited about.
By using this, Gladstone makes that final connection with every one of her readers and, in a way,
shows that those who fear are not alone but there is less to fear.

Jordyn Aldrich
Mrs. Briggs
ENG-1010 11:30AM
10/6/15
I am blown away by the creativity Gladstone portrays through her article. From the very
beginning she develops the strength of the opposing argument; demonstrating her understanding
of keeping her credibility and trust with her audience, as well as understanding the depth of the
argument. Due to the fact that in the beginning Gladstone seemed as if she was on the side of
those fearing these advances then, about half way through, reveals that those were not her true
feelings, some might find how she reveals her perspective to be slightly deceiving and
untrustworthy; however, I felt as if it made her writing that much more powerful. Her word
choice and wide selection of sources, for both sides, paints the perfect picture at the most
appropriate times. She demonstrates the importance and understanding of portraying both sides
of the argument as if she could side with one or the other; she did an excellent job of
continuously blending facts. Gladstone remains in constant relations with her audience by
including facts and relevance from both sides, as well as continuously evolves the topic to
continue making connections.
Even after Gladstone reveals her true prospective she never discredits anything in relation
to the opposing argument; in fact, she uses its supporting facts to the end. By including herself
from the beginning and slowly piecing in her side, this kept out any form of threat towards the
readers beliefs. The comic book set up with Neufelds illustration brought a comedic perspective
to the overall situation and really complimented Gladstones writing style. I think that Gladstone
is absolutely brilliant and executed this piece amazingly. Gladstone added the perfect amount of
depth to her research for every area of insight that the article offered.

Jordyn Aldrich
Mrs. Briggs
ENG-1010 11:30AM
10/6/15
References
Graff, G., Birkenstein, C., Durst, R. (2015). They say I say with readings. 3rd edition. NEW
YORK. LONDON. W. W. Norton.