Written by internet blogger Voxi, the opinion piece titled Keyed In was posted in

response to the digital revolution experienced by todays society, and the

growing concern of technologys impact on everyday life. Published on May 23,
2009 on website Ctrl Alt, the opinion piece highlights the influence of technology
on readers daily lives, and the benefits of such change. Consistent use of
positive connotations and informal writing allows Voxi to explore his arguments
efficiently, as he uses evidence generally known to society to express his
contention that the digital age should be embraced as an opportunity for
humanity to improve. Using an eager but composed tone, Voxi implores readers
with his excitement of the coming 22nd century with a spirit of optimism.
Voxi continuously simplifies and exemplifies his arguments through metaphoric
language, allowing for readers to fully comprehend his opinion whilst addressing
the additional attention required. By contrasting people who embrace technology
with the grit [of] an oyster, readers are initially made to regard individuals who
accept change as stubborn, unwanted members of society. However Voxi diverts
this analogy, positively presenting these gritty people by explaining how
oysters produce pearls. Readers are allowed to distinguish the relationship
between the beauty of pearls, with the accomplishments of those who wish to
make things better, evoking gratitude towards these individuals who ask
questions. Through the inclusion of television series The Inventors, Voxi aims
his opinion piece towards those who enjoy witnessing the progression of
technology into exciting ventures. By correlating the gritty people with
individuals who eventually enter the show, Voxi aspires to present readers with
members of society who wish to improve quality of life. As readers witness the
potential benefits of change in their lives, they feel inclined to accept the
alterations in all forms, including technology.
Voxi introduces readers to the concept of beneficial change prior to his
contention of digital technology being a great opportunity for humanity, as a way
of creating susceptibility within readers towards accepting alterations in life. The
writer promotes the digital revolution through a quick succession of
psychological benefits, in that humans will solve the riddles of the universe, find
cures faster [and] find ways of preserving the planet. By presenting a promising
future, readers are encouraged to embrace such hope and reject the boundaries
of darkness. Through using the comical term homo supersapien, Voxi
introduces readers to a more relaxed aspect of his opinion piece, using a less
eccentric tone to formulate the possibility of an advanced race of humans. The
writer further explains how this superior human species will be capable of
ending war and violence, exciting readers to the prospect of world peace. By
expressing an aspect of world culture wished by all members of society, Voxi
instruments his argument to appeal to readers humanity.
However Voxi also notes to include the flaws in his argument, through the
inclusion of a podcast which consist of the negative attributes associated with
technology, such as the digital world is a world...where nothing has meaning.
The podcast itself is efficient through repetitive language in a world... so as to
emphasise the significance of technology on society. By demonstrating that he is

unbiased towards the subject, the writer positions readers to be more accepting
of his contention as they are exposed to both aspects of the debate, and so are
allowed to establish an opinion on the issue themselves. By revealing both facets
of the dilemma, Voxi gains readers trust as they are not mislead or withheld from
information.

The fear of privacy invasion is also addressed, in that Voxi offers relatively simple
solutions to an initially complex problem. As a major concern in the development
of technology is privacy issues, Voxi explains how you can protest and get
them removed if worried. By confronting the issue and proposing an answer
readers trust in the writer is reinforced, as he has for the second time confronted
a flaw in his argument. Voxi capitalises on this technique by proceeding to
include the rhetorical question, why wouldnt you want it in your life?, so as to
impose a one-directional response from readers who proceed to feel pressured to
comply with the writers contention. Voxi repeats this methodology when
addressing the concerns of older readers, when he asks Whats there to be
afraid of?. By yielding no obvious response, these individuals are inclined to
consider Voxis answer and consequently accept it.
The writer alters the form of writing to be more personal, by noting that hot air
balloons are always...looking into my windows too. This is so as to subdue
reader concerns for safety in light of technological advancements, by reminding
them that he too is an ordinary member of society. By expressing his contempt
attitude towards the risk involved with digital revolution, concerned readers are
comforted and are less inclined to oppose the writer. Voxi later described
individuals who reject technology as losers, implementing a direct attack on
people who oppose his contention. Such action is done so as to direct readers to
feel part of the majority, playing on the instinctual desire of humans to belong.
The strategic placement of this assault at the conclusion of the opinion piece,
infers that this last technique is aimed towards readers who are yet to comply
with the writers argument.
Through both inclusive and attacking language, the writer evokes compliance
from readers, by allowing them to relate to him and feel pressured to accept the
contention. By including flaws the writer gains reader support as they are not
mislead and denied information, further reinforcing the argument that the
digital revolution should be embraced, and without it you wont be in touch
and connected.