#2.Where Narcissism Meets Addiction

Joseph Burgo, a psychotherapist and author for The Atlantic, goes further into the psychology and controversy concerning the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal. Burgo begins by questioning the label of 'addiction' put on Weiner's actions. Burgo presents factual evidence indicating the inclination Weiner has for boosting his self esteem, attempting to reassure himself through sexting. He goes into the response Weiner receives and how this feeds the 'addiction' or other inclinations Weiner has. Burgo moves on to analyze the concept of addiction and the expansion of the category of addiction. Burgo defines the addiction suffered by Weiner and thousands of others who share this compulosry need for some drug, whether physical or psychological, as," a defense against unconscious shame." He continues his article with the outcome of the first Weiner case(for it was not the first time he relied on sexting for self-assurance) where although Weiner seemingly feels ashamed, he relapses and falls back into his old transgressions, sexting. Burgo states, " Calling his behavior an 'addiction' doesn't explain much and won't really help... only an in-depth examination of his complete shame-ridden character will allow Anthony Weiner to grow into the person he could truly respect." Burgo likens the Weiner case to the 'all too familiar' rehab cycles celebrities face, where ultimately they end-up relapsing. He ends his case by emphasizing that Weiner needs professional care for a psychological problem beyond an 'addiction'.   

In this article, Joseph Burgo displays an aptitude for arguing as he backs up his work with research and new developments on the psychological case of Anthony Weiner. Burgo gives an in-depth analysis of certain aspects of the Weiner case which are relevant to the point he argues, yet he does not give any evidence countering that which he presents. Thus, he produces a very biased article. Beyond that, he argues very convincingly by pointing out the flaws in the subjectivity of the use of the word 'addiction'. Furthermore, Burgo displays evidence from both direct sources, such as citations of what Weiner himself texts, and evidence from different sets of research. Lastly, in his writing it is evident that Burgo is attempting to persuade the audience, and does so effectively by providing convincing and condemning evidence.        

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/07/where-narcissism-meets-addiction/278195/