I never really thought about how broad the term “digital rhetoric” is. I’d always assumed digital rhetoric referred to communication in online spaces, mostly directed towards writings online. I didn’t think it could refer to things like algorithms where it isn’t exactly words, but it influences how people think and act. It refers to technology as a whole and how its platform is very influential to people. I also didn’t realize that there wasn’t a distinct definition for digital rhetoric, it is very interesting to see how big of a conversation it was trying to define what it means.
I kind of understand why there isn’t a definition. Since technology is always changing, it would make sense that the definition would shift throughout the times. If there was a definition for it, it would be based on how advanced technology was during the time. After all these years, the definition wouldn’t apply as much. The definition changes with technology. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion and motivation on audiences, and algorithms on social media is the biggest use of that. They all cater to that one specific user, showing them exactly what they want to see based on their movements online. Everything they show that user is to influence them. If a product is searched up, conveniently an ad will pop up later displaying that product. I feel that is what digital rhetoric is. It is all these digital spaces on the internet and how they are used to influence and persuade users.
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