The World Is More Depressed - Essay Example

World Is More DepressedThere is a seemingly increased rate of depression globally, and the condition is poised to increase in the near future, to rank as the world’s second most rampant medical condition by 2020 (Luhrmann, n.p.). The most likely factor that can account for the increased rate of depression globally is the concept of urbanization, considering that by 2010, 50% of the world’s population was living in cities (Luhrmann, n.p.). Another factor that can be attributed to the rise in depression rate globally could be the technological advancement registered within the last few decades, which has made humans some device-dependent beings, thus nobody thinks for themselves any more (Luhrmann, n.p.).

Thus, the social comparison, which has been brought about by increased access to information about other people, must have highly contributed to the global trend of rise in depression. Identify the main argument(s)The major argument of the article is that the process of urbanization and the advancement in technology are major causes of increased depression globally. This is because, with urbanization, comes fractured families, increased use of drugs and alcohol, as well as poverty, all of which are risk factors for depression (Luhrmann, n.p.).

On the other hand, technological advancement has increased access to information about other people especially through social media, causing people to compare their lives with those of others, and thus becoming depressed (Luhrmann, n.p.). Identify author bias, if possibleThe author has a bias for India as the country she has visited frequently, and understands its situation more than elsewhere globally. Thus she uses it as the predominant example of increased depression, while the situation could be even worse elsewhere.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the article?The strength of the article is that, it has applied the backing of various scientific studies from different parts of the world to back the argument. The weakness is that the author has less exposure to the conditions of the rest of the world in relation to depression, thus paints India as the most affected country. What’s missing?The first hand experience and scientific data of depression from the rest of the world, other than India, Japan, Britain and USA, is missing.

Is the overall argument effective? WhyThe article is effective since it has been able to deliver the message in a more comprehensive and scientifically backed manner, through the application of data from different scientific studies. Works CitedLuhrmann, T. M. ‘Is the World More Depressed?’ The New York Times, March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/opinion/a-great-depression.html?hpw&rref=opinion&_r=1