Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
quiz complete
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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. Here, the older generation is criticized (can’t turn on a computer) to dismiss their complaints about social media, fitting ad hominem.
• Appeal to emotion: Uses emotions, not present here.
• False dilemma: Presents limited options, not here.
• Bandwagon: Urges following a trend, not here.

So the argument uses an ad hominem attack.

Answer:

an ad hominem attack