Comm-211 Blog Spring 2025

When we talk about fallacies in communication, we’re referring to arguments that sound convincing on the surface but fall apart under closer scrutiny. These flawed lines of reasoning show up everywhere—from political debates to everyday online articles—and recognizing them is a powerful critical thinking skill. For this post, I explored three real-world articles where communication fallacies are alive and well. Each example includes an explanation of the fallacy and how it can distort our understanding of evidence and reasoning. 1. Appeal to Authority… or AI? Article: Here’s a new way to lose an argument online: the appeal to AI – The Verge This article points out a growing online trend: people citing AI tools like ChatGPT as the final word in a debate. The fallacy here is an appeal to authority , where an argument is accepted as true simply because it comes from a perceived expert—in this case, artificial intelligence. But AI systems don’t inherently offer good evidence. As Crus...

Why I Chose This Online Argument for My Assignment For this assignment, I decided to analyze a Reddit argument about cleaning underwear before throwing them away. It presents an interesting example of differing personal views on what might seem like a trivial issue, but it also touches on deeper themes of personal hygiene, societal norms, and wastefulness. This argument illustrates how people form and defend their beliefs in online spaces, especially when it comes to relatively mundane topics. What drew me to this argument was the way in which participants attempted to shape each other's beliefs. The nature of online arguments—often marked by anonymity and minimal accountability—leads to a different kind of discourse than what would typically happen in face-to-face conversations. This online thread serves as a perfect example of how digital platforms can amplify minor conflicts into larger discussions about values and personal choices. Three Negative Examples and Concerns with Thi...

When you walk into a Trader Joe’s, you’re greeted by handwritten signs, quirky product names, and friendly staff in Hawaiian shirts. But does that same charm translate online? I took a deep dive into Trader Joe’s website and social media platforms to find out how well they communicate with their audience in the digital space—and where there might be room for improvement. Friendly, Fun, and Fearless: Communication Across Platforms Trader Joe’s does an excellent job of carrying its in-store personality onto the web. Their website is bold and bright, with a layout that mirrors their physical stores—full of energy, helpfulness, and fun. A prime example is their Fearless Flyer , a digital newsletter that blends product highlights with cheeky commentary and dad jokes. Instead of a sterile shopping catalog, it feels like a cross between a grocery list and a stand-up routine. On social media, Trader Joe’s keeps it casual and community-driven. Their Instagram is packed with new product sho...

This week, I listened to an episode of the Myths and Legends podcast hosted by Jason Weiser—specifically, “King Arthur: 'Tis But a scratch,” which revisits the tale of the legendary king with a modern, humorous twist. I chose this episode because I’ve always been fascinated by Arthurian legends, but I was curious to see how Weiser would balance historical myth with contemporary storytelling. I wasn’t disappointed. Jason Weiser’s delivery style is one of the most engaging elements of the podcast. His pitch remains steady and conversational, giving the stories a grounded, accessible feel. He rarely raises his voice, which actually draws listeners in rather than pushing them away. His pacing is deliberate—neither rushed nor sluggish—and he uses pauses skillfully, especially before punchlines or dramatic moments. For example, when describing Merlin’s oddly specific rules for knighthood, Weiser pauses just long enough to let the absurdity sink in before adding his own dry commentary. ...