TOW #6- PC World Magazine Article/ "The 21 Worst Tech Habits, and How to Break Them"/ Christopher Null

Without technology, the world would be stuck in the 20th century. It clearly has its benefits, but unfortunately, it also has its downsides. The PC World magazine feature, “The 21 Worst Tech Habits, and How to Break Them” brings to attention the idea that as good as technology is, it can still be conductive to bad habits.

Christopher Null, an author and film critic, adds his experience to the feature through the use of exemplification. He details easy fixes to each habit and explains what could happen as an effect of the “worst habits”, therefore also including the strategy of cause and effect. Humor is another important strategy applied to this piece. Null tends to use a harsher-toned humor, similar to sarcasm when he gives examples of bad habits. However, this sarcasm can be difficult to understand if one doesn’t understand the vocabulary Null is using. The use of technology-related jargon and educated diction makes the author all the more an authority on his subject, but would be hard for children to understand. Consequently, the article seems to be directed towards either “technology-savvy” people, professionals, or average American citizens who are very in touch with new tech. gadgetry. The feature provides opportunities for more information when it emphasizes links to websites and photographs/illustrations, appealing to visual learners and/or just plain magazine lovers. But through it all, the article stays true to its motto- it is written for a “PC World”, with technology in mind at all times.

Another wonderful thing about the feature is that though it’s informational, it is presented in an easy-to-read, interesting list format. It causes readers to want to check out their own habits as they read the article, but is still reassuring that such habits can be fixed or improved. The feature artfully showcases the worst habits, their effects, and their solutions in a way that could start to help non- “tech savvy” people understand technology, and start to live a lifestyle that incorporates it.

"Christopher Null." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

N.d. Photograph. Boy Genius Report Blog. Wordpress. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.