Introduction: “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
Published on the website Techdirt.com, the article “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped” by Tim Cushing is a risk exposing essay regarding the issue of cyberbullying among kids. The author, Tim Cushing, eloquently places his thesis at the beginning of the article, stating that although administrative and legislative bodies continue to pressure each other to implement measures to end cyberbullying, they lack verifiable statistics to support corresponding policies and laws. This is the reason parents and victims do not receive much assistance from these policies and legislations.
The author follows this with a reference to a Huffington Post writer, Larry Magid, who claimed that more than 70% of kids are victims of cyberbullying. Tim Cushing then presents actual numbers from data provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Cyberbullying Research Center. He also includes statistics listed by Dan Olweus, a respected figure in cyberbullying research, to refute Larry Magid’s claims, asserting that not only is the term’s definition misleading, but the statistics are also unverified and incorrect.
Tim Cushing then highlights sources with vested interests in presenting such statistics. He verifies his claim regarding misleading statistics through a close dissection of the original article from the Hartford Country Examiner, explaining how the statistics have been misquoted and why. Additionally, he provides the definition of the term as defined by the NCPC, emphasizing that both the definition and the statistics are the real reasons behind the escalation of this issue.
By the end of the essay, he quotes criminologist Seoking Jeong to support his claim that antibullying programs are not working. However, he argues that while the problem exists, it is not as pervasive as portrayed, leading to a lack of tangible steps to address it. Tim Cushing not only employs classical rhetorical strategies of logos, ethos, pathos, and kairos to strengthen his argument but also goes a step further by using a unique article design, diction, and style.
Logos in “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
The very first quality of this article is the successful use of the classical rhetorical device, logos. Writer Tim Cushing has not only presented statistics but also the complete names of the sources and analyses of the statistics to support his claims. For example, his assertion is that much of the data regarding cyberbullying statistics is exaggerated, incorrect, and misleading. He begins by presenting erroneous data mentioned by a writer from the Huffington Post. Then, he dissects these statistics by comparing them with the data from other reputable institutions responsible for researching cyberbullying and its impacts on school-going kids. The inclusion of respectable and credible names such as the NCPC, the Cyberbullying Research Center, and the European Journal of Development Psychology indicates that their data is verifiable and reliable.
To refute the claims of writer Larry Magid, Tim Cushing immediately challenges them by presenting this verifiable data and stating that i-Safe and other similar websites have vested interests in showcasing inflated statistics to boost the sales of their anti-bullying software. These statistics are further discredited by mentioning that i-Safe “maybe” a nonprofit organization within brackets, and the data “hasn’t been updated in nearly a decade” (Cushing, 2015). This reveals that the given data is not credible, supporting his claim that these are misleading statistics. Hence, his logical appeal resonates with reason.
Ethos in “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
Another effective element is the use of ethos, where the author, Tim Cushing, relies on credible sources. The author himself questions the credibility of i-Safe data, which is the focal point of his argument. The statistics listed by the author in 2004, stating that “42% of kids have been bullied,” remain unchanged on the website under the heading “Cyber Bullying: Statistics and Tips” (Cushing, 2015). The website continues to present the same statistics that Tim Cushing has refuted, using credible sources such as the NCPC, Dan Olweus’ research, and the examination of the actual article from the Hartford County Examiner, along with the definition of the term and an analysis of the statistics (“Cyber Bullying: Statistics and Tips”).
Even the author’s credentials, highlighted by his association with the website Techdirt.com, shed light on his intention to present accurate statistics to assist administrations and legislatures in formulating effective policies. Therefore, there is no doubt that his ethos is credible and successful in persuading readers to agree with his reliable sources, his own credentials, and his thorough analysis.
Pathos in “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
Regarding pathos, Tim Cushing does not employ emotionally charged language as often seen in fiction. Instead, he appeals to reason by presenting statistics and demonstrating how inaccurate data has needlessly alarmed parents. His argument revolves around the notion that parents are naturally concerned about their children’s well-being. However, companies and individuals selling anti-bullying software are exploiting misleading data to boost sales.
The inclusion of Larry Magid’s statement, where he mentions being told that the software “helps protect kids from strangers who would do them harm,” is used skillfully by Cushing. This statement is strategically placed to resonate with his audience, primarily parents, administrators, and legislators, aiming to convince them that while the threat is real, the presented data is misleading (Cushing, 2015). In essence, he effectively utilizes pathos, albeit to a lesser extent than typically found in tragic novels or fiction.
Kairos in “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
Tim Cushing unconsciously employs another persuasive device crucial for his audience – kairos, writing within the existing time. If the article had been presented three or four decades ago, it might not have garnered much attention. The audience might have perceived it as science fiction with fictitious statistics meant to deceive readers into believing such things could happen in the future. However, it’s apparent that Cushing is fully aware of the contemporary times in which he is writing and understands his audience. This awareness contributes to his success in persuading readers by debunking general statistics presented with vested interests.
Regarding the design and format of the article, Cushing employs his unique structure. He places the thesis statement at the top of the article and divides it into three distinct parts with clear headings indicating the focus of each section. For instance, the first part addresses the exaggerated claims about cyberbullying statistics from companies selling anti-bullying software. The next heading, “A Vested Interest,” suggests that certain websites present the same old data to deceive readers and entice parents into purchasing the software (Cushing, 2015). He then introduces his own statistics and analyses them to demonstrate that this is not the case. The final heading addresses the issue, provides a proper understanding, and issues a call to action. Cushing presents the entire article in a conical shape, with the thesis at the top instead of after the introduction and background information. The background information and introduction follow the thesis. Data to be refuted is presented at the very beginning and is systematically debunked with credible statistics from sources such as the NCPC and Dan Olweus (Cushing, 2015). Finally, Cushing concludes by highlighting the issue, offering a proper understanding, and issuing a call to action.
The diction employed by Cushing is versatile. At times, he uses simple language for analysis, such as stating, “This isn’t to say that cyberbullying doesn’t exist and isn’t a problem” (Cushing). Other times, he employs academic language, including proper quotes from sources, contributing to an overall academic and formal style.
Conclusion: “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
In conclusion, it can be asserted that the primary audience for the article “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped” is comprised of parents, school administrators, and legislators. Tim Cushing adeptly employs a range of persuasive and rhetorical techniques to effectively reach and convince these audiences about the genuine problem that remains unresolved despite partial measures taken. He provides insights into the reasons why policies and laws have failed to yield positive results.
Cushing’s masterful use of classical rhetorical devices, a conically shaped argument, refutation through credible statistics, timely writing, and an academic writing style collectively make his article remarkably straightforward yet persuasively convincing. By daringly giving a new organization to his article, diving straight into the heart of the problem, and then presenting real statistics along with their refutation, Cushing takes a risk that deviates from traditional academic styles. He acknowledges that he can tackle the issue effectively, and he successfully accomplishes this through his unique format.
References: “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
- Cyber Bullying: Statistics and Tips (n. d.). Retried from on October 23, 2022 from https://www.isafe.org/outreach/media/media_cyber_bullying
- Cushing, Tim. (2015). “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped.” Retrieved on October 23, 2022 from ASU Libraries.
Relevant Questions about “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped”
- In Tim Cushing’s article, “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped,” how does he support or justify the claim, and what specific evidence or arguments does he present to back this assertion?
- Within the context of Tim Cushing’s work titled “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped,” are there counterarguments or alternative perspectives presented by the author regarding the perceived exaggeration of the cyberbullying issue?
- How has the reception of Tim Cushing’s perspective, as outlined in the article “The Cyberbullying Problem is Overhyped,” influenced public discourse or policymaking surrounding the broader issue of online harassment?
