Topic 3: Digital Rhetoric

Let’s Begin

In a social context, digital technology introduces you to neighbors of the mind – people who are separated by distance, but close to you in thought and interest

                                                                                                                                                               Nick Harkaway

Digital technology has broken the barriers of time and space. Those who have access to technology can get information from different sources wherever and whenever without having to be dependent on local TV network programming or the availability of local newspaper broadsheets. 

The ubiquity of digital technology has transformed not only the way we receive information but also how we provide it. We need to be mindful of the nuances of language and content shared in digital spaces. The same holds true in the field of Rhetoric. The way classical rhetoric was practiced by the Greeks and Romans had certainly changed significantly due to the advent of technology.

 Learning Outcomes:

 After studying this section, you should be able to:

1. explain the characteristics of communication in digital spaces;
2. define digital rhetoric; and
3. explain how the canons of classical rhetoric apply to digital texts.

 Read:

Zappen’s journal article “Digital Rhetoric: Toward an Integrated Theory”

Think

After reading Zappen’s article, answer the following questions:

1. How does persuasion work in online communication? How are the rhetorical strategies of persuasion deployed in online spaces?
2. How do computer programs function as persuasive technology?
3. How do the processes of identity and community formation on social media affect rhetorical practice online?

 Dig deeper

Further Reading

Hodgson, J., & Barnett, S. (2016) Introduction: What is Rhetorical about Digital Rhetoric? Perspectives and

           Definitions of Digital Rhetoric. Retrieved from: http://enculturation.net/what-is-rhetorical-about-digital-

           rhetoric

Activity guide

Zappen outlined the characteristics of digital communication, its affordances, and constraints. How are these evident in the realm of social media? It is time for you to take a closer look at a form of digital communication.

Individual work:

1. Select a video or tweet that went viral. Briefly describe the subject of that viral video or tweet.

    2. Analyze the viral video or tweet with respect to the characteristics (with its affordances and constraints) of digital communication.