When I first received the instruction for the rhetorical analysis assignment, I had several potential topics to consider. Ultimately, after extensive research, I chose to analyze the video “Why Scrolling on Social Media is Addictive” by the Washington Post. This video intrigued me because it delves into the contemporary issue of social media addiction and its impact on mental health, a topic that resonates deeply with many people, especially the younger generation. Throughout this assignment, I significantly improved my strategies for reading, drafting, revising, and editing. The first draft was broad and unfocused, but through multiple revisions and feedback from peers, I refined my argument to be more coherent and compelling. Self-assessment played a crucial role in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that my final analysis was well-structured and insightful. I clearly articulated my stance that the video effectively highlights the addictive nature of social media through scientific evidence. Maintaining this stance throughout my essay demonstrated my ability to formulate and sustain a coherent argument, a key aspect of effective writing. The advertisement video I chose required background information and supporting evidence. I practiced the use of effective sources, explained key points, and synthesized information to support my argument. Through this process, I became better at analyzing and using sources in my writing. My understanding of writing has changed significantly over this assignment. I used to think of writing mostly as a way to communicate knowledge. However, I now see writing as a dynamic process of creating and conveying complicated ideas according to this rhetorical analysis.


