Rhetorical Analysis of Alia E. Dastagir’s Article, "Virtual Bullies Create Real-
World
Danger" Stormi
Eng 105 : English Composition 1
Rhetorical Analysis of Alia E. Dastagir’s Article, "Virtual Bullies Create Real-World
Danger"
, In her article *“Virtual Bullies Create Real-World Danger,”* Alia E. Dastagir
examines the harmful effects of online bullying, highlighting its impact on mental health,
including anxiety, depression, and suicide. Dastigir focuses on the case of David Kirk Ginder,
who was
harassed on the forum Kiwi Farms before taking their own life. Through this tragic case, Dastigir
argues that online abuse has real-world consequences, urging platforms to take greater
responsibility for the bullying that occurs on their sites. This essay analyzes how Dastigir uses
the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade her audience, supported by
additional resources on the mental health effects of online harassment. Published in *USA
Today*, Dastigir’s article aims to raise awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying
and advocate for stronger protections for victims. With a wide-reaching audience, this
publication allows Dastigir to target casual readers as well as policy-makers. The article uses
the case of Ginder to illustrate how online abuse can escalate to tragic outcomes, urging
readers to understand the severity of the issue and pushing for more research and action on the
topic.
Dastigir establishes her credibility through her affiliation with USA Today, a well-
respected news source. She further bolsters her authority by referencing expert opinions from
professionals in suicidology, such as Beau Pinkham, the chair of the American Association of
Suicidology's Tech and Innovations Committee. These expert opinions reinforce her argument
that toxic online communities can contribute to serious mental health issues. Dastigir also
includes statistics from the Pew Research Center, showing that over 40% of Americans have
experienced online harassment, lending additional credibility to her claims. Dastigir appeals to
emotions through the story of Ginder, whose Twitter thread describing the abuse they faced is
heartbreaking. In their final message, Ginder writes, "The internet is not a game. It’s real life. I’m
World
Danger" Stormi
Eng 105 : English Composition 1
Rhetorical Analysis of Alia E. Dastagir’s Article, "Virtual Bullies Create Real-World
Danger"
, In her article *“Virtual Bullies Create Real-World Danger,”* Alia E. Dastagir
examines the harmful effects of online bullying, highlighting its impact on mental health,
including anxiety, depression, and suicide. Dastigir focuses on the case of David Kirk Ginder,
who was
harassed on the forum Kiwi Farms before taking their own life. Through this tragic case, Dastigir
argues that online abuse has real-world consequences, urging platforms to take greater
responsibility for the bullying that occurs on their sites. This essay analyzes how Dastigir uses
the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade her audience, supported by
additional resources on the mental health effects of online harassment. Published in *USA
Today*, Dastigir’s article aims to raise awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying
and advocate for stronger protections for victims. With a wide-reaching audience, this
publication allows Dastigir to target casual readers as well as policy-makers. The article uses
the case of Ginder to illustrate how online abuse can escalate to tragic outcomes, urging
readers to understand the severity of the issue and pushing for more research and action on the
topic.
Dastigir establishes her credibility through her affiliation with USA Today, a well-
respected news source. She further bolsters her authority by referencing expert opinions from
professionals in suicidology, such as Beau Pinkham, the chair of the American Association of
Suicidology's Tech and Innovations Committee. These expert opinions reinforce her argument
that toxic online communities can contribute to serious mental health issues. Dastigir also
includes statistics from the Pew Research Center, showing that over 40% of Americans have
experienced online harassment, lending additional credibility to her claims. Dastigir appeals to
emotions through the story of Ginder, whose Twitter thread describing the abuse they faced is
heartbreaking. In their final message, Ginder writes, "The internet is not a game. It’s real life. I’m
