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?

A. an ad hominem attack

B. an appeal to emotion

C. a false dilemma

D. a bandwagon appeal

1 answer

The argument primarily uses A. an ad hominem attack. This is evident in the second sentence, where it dismisses the opinions of an older generation by criticizing their inability to turn on a computer, rather than addressing the merits of their complaints about social media. The focus is shifted from the argument itself to an attack on the character or abilities of those making the argument.