In the article “Toward the Rhetorical Study of Code,” André Brock explores an intriguing concept: although people mostly perceive programming code as functional, it also has its means of persuasion and communication. He argues that code influences our thoughts, interactions, and comprehension of digital environments in addition to causing things to happen on a computer. This approach, frequently called “rhetorical code,” suggests that programmers can directly or indirectly influence the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of users through the instructions they write.
The Influence of Code on Behavior
Furthermore, Brock discusses Critical Code Studies, which is a discipline that looks at the social, political, and cultural significance of code. According to this perspective, code is not neutral; rather, it represents the goals and values of its creators. Social media algorithms, for instance, may favor particular kinds of material over others, influencing what we see online and influencing our thoughts without our knowledge. This demonstrates that code is an effective instrument for changing behavior in addition to carrying out tasks.
Additionally, Brock’s thoughts touch on procedural rhetoric, a topic that game designer Ian Bogost frequently discusses. Procedural rhetoric is the use of code, particularly in games, to influence others by requiring them to stick to given structures and standards. To elicit empathy or critical thought, for example, a game may force players to go through a character’s struggles. Digital rhetoric explores the different ways digital content conveys meanings, with procedural rhetoric being considered an aspect of this field.
Recognizing Code as a Powerful Language
All things considered, Brock challenges us to consider code as more than just instructions; rather, it is a form of language that has the power to influence our thoughts and behaviors. We may comprehend how code affects our online experiences and the digital environment around us by studying it rhetorically.
Check out my previous blog post: “The Impact of ‘New Media’ on Interactions“
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