Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
pre - test complete
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
read the passage.
(1) social media is here to stay. (2) no amount of
complaining by an older generation who cannot even
turn on a computer will change the fact that we live in
a social media world. (3) increasing access to social
media for people who are afraid to use it or unwilling
to try it should be the first step toward making the
playing field a bit more even for everyone.
what fallacy does this argument use?
○ an ad hominem attack
○ an appeal to emotion
○ a false dilemma
○ a bandwagon appeal

Explanation:

To determine the fallacy, analyze each option:

• Ad hominem: Attacks the person, not the argument. The passage criticizes the older generation's computer skills (attacking them) instead of addressing their complaint about social media.
• Appeal to emotion: Uses emotions to persuade, not seen here.
• False dilemma: Presents limited options, not present.
• Bandwagon: Argues "everyone is doing it," not the case here.

The argument attacks the older generation (their inability to use computers) rather than their argument about social media, so it's an ad hominem attack.

Answer:

an ad hominem attack