For Tuesday, September 25, read the essay by Michael Lewis (“Faking It: The Virtual Lawyer”) and respond to at least the first six of the following questions.

1) Michael Lewis writes that the internet illustrates a concept called “role theory”(285). In 3-5 sentences, describe what this theory is about.

2) Thinking about what we’ve already read this term (Turkle and Dyson), do you think this theory makes sense as a description of what’s going on? (Again, 3-5 sentences.)

3) Why, according to Lewis, are young people so ready to accept change? Look at the Nokia example for some guidance on this question. What is the relationship between this claim about young people and “role theory”?

4) How does Marcus Arnold’s story fit with the role theory idea at the beginning of Lewis’ essay?

5) Lewis tells us that as Arnold was rising to the top ranking at AskMe.com he decided to announce that he was really only 15. When he made this announcement, lawyers, clients, and others on AskMe.com really came down on him. Why? What is the big deal?

6) What does Lewis mean when he writes that Marcus “was using the Internet the way adults often use their pasts”(293)?

7) Bonus Question (an advance on next Thursday’s discussion): What connections do you see between what Lewis writes about and the issues in Turkle and/or Dyson?

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