In 1989, Richard Lanham introduced the term “digital rhetoric” during his lecture, “Digital Rhetoric: Theory, Practice, and Property.” This moment marked a significant shift in how we understand the intersection of technology and communication. Lanham argued that computers are not only logical tools but also rhetorical devices, deeply rooted in the tradition of classical rhetoric.
Lanham’s early work explored how digital media could be used in legal and artistic contexts, emphasizing that rhetoric is key in shaping digital texts. By the 1990s, scholars like George Landow and Stuart Moulthrop connected hypertext and digital networks to rhetoric. These early theories primarily examined the ways digital links and multimedia forms changed communication. Highlighting again, a significant shift.
As digital technologies advanced, the scope of digital rhetoric grew, particularly in the study of visual and multimedia rhetoric. Scholars like Gary Heba proposed the idea of “HyperRhetoric,” focusing on the continuous evolution of digital communication through various media. Meanwhile, other theorists, such as Barbara Warnick, applied rhetorical theory to digital political discourse, stressing persuasion as a central function of online communication.
Digital rhetoric has since evolved into a field that blends traditional rhetorical theories with the unique characteristics of digital media. Scholars continue to build upon these foundations, creating new methods to understand persuasion, identity, and community in digital spaces.
Tiktok is a huge example of these theories connecting. It is used as a tool to persuade, connect and even monetize through products. Social media platforms in general serve the same purpose however, Tiktok has become the top in its genre for people to use. It was no longer just used for funny videos, there was a significant shift in its usage.
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