Introduction
“Digital” and “Rhetoric” are two words that are very prone to scaring the shit out of college students. Both are just common enough and just vague enough that they can harness the power of anxiety and terrify those who belong to this exclusive group. When you put these two words together, it becomes comparable to an atom bomb in the world of higher education. I for one was horrified to see that “Digital Rhetoric” would be such a large focus in this class. However, upon further reflection, neither of these terms should scare students. In fact, the definition of both terms is so loose that “digital rhetoric” could describe almost every single thing around us.
Just Hear me out
Maritza Garcia succinctly defined both of the words I will be discussing in this piece. She defined “rhetoric” as “a way to shape society and influence reality” mostly through language. She defined “digital” as “the selection of distinct data points from the unbroken spectrum that is reality, to provide an estimation that is less accurate, but easier to read” with the specific example of a digital clock. A digital clock is easier to read than an analog, but it is objectively less accurate in telling the time. Most things that are called digital relate to computers or the internet, but this is not necessary. Many things (such as digital counting) manage to be digital without any sort of modern technology involved.
My side of the story
I have often seen my peers struggle with defining rhetoric. I relate to this struggle, but for opposite reasons. They always see rhetoric as something too specific and complex to define accurately, but I find that it is too simple and broad to put into words. In my experience, rhetoric is simply the methodology used and the message behind communication. This communication could be well-thought-out and purposeful (I.E. Writing) or more subconscious (I.E. Clothing).
This definition remains the same when applied to the digital sphere. If something has a message behind it and is expressed through digital technology, then it is digital rhetoric. This would mean that YouTube videos and online videos are digital rhetoric. However, this would also mean that something like the light-up display behind a car’s steering wheel is a part of digital rhetoric. Something as simple as understanding the Check-Engine-Light is enough to engage in digital rhetoric.
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