“No Need to Call” (373) 1

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“No Need to Call” (373)

1. Sherry Turkle was once optimistic about the potential for technology to improve human lives but now takes a more complex view. What does she mean here by the title, "No Need to Call?" What pitfall does she see in our increasing reluctance to talk on the phone or face-to-face?

2. Is Digital communication god or bad--or both? Read chapter 13, which summarizes both sides of that discussion. Which side (or sides) do you agree with? Where do you think Turkle stands?

“Does Texting Affect Writing” (361)

1) Cullington makes clear in her first paragraph what viewpoints she's responding to. What is her "They Say?" What is her "I Say?" What kinds of evidence does she offer in support of her argument?

2) Cullington acknowledges the views of quite a few naysayers, including teachers who believe that texting has a negative effect on their students' writing. How does she respond to this criticism? Where does she respond to this criticism and do you think she is persuasive in doing so?

“I Had a Nice Time with You Tonight. On the App.” (393)

1. How would you summarize Jenna Wortham's attitude about using apps to communicate with her boyfriend and others? What benefits does she see, and what limitations?

2. Wortham begins her piece with a short narrative about "a lazy afternoon" with her boyfriend. Why is this an effective way to begin with this essay? How else might the piece have begun?

3. "So What? Who Cares?" (as discussed in chapter 7) Where in this piece does Wortham explain why her argument matters? Has she persuaded you--and if not, why not?