Question

There has been concern among some folks that social media--a broad umbrella, I know--is changing our language. What do you think? The question I'm interested in having you answer is whether the "rules" or descriptors of rhetorical strategies are valid when people communicate via social media.

Can we "use" pathos/logos/ethos when we post comments on various social media platforms? Can we judge the rhetoric of others? EXAMPLES, PLEASE! :)

Answer 1

Rhetoric is the art of using language to successfully persuade and impact others, and when it comes to social media this art is often overlooked. Content on social media platforms is usually concise in order to catch viewers' attention and is hardly as elegant, detailed, or developed as the rhetoric utilized in a face-to-face setting. However, pathos/logos/ethos can be utilized when we publish comments on various social media platforms. Pathos, for example, can be used by charitable campaigns to use emotional persuasion to gather more support online. These campaigns draw on personal experiences with the cause, sympathy, and empathy to influence users to join the campaign and spread awareness through status updates. Logos can be established by offering a credible evidence to support a comment. That evidence should include facts that represent objective truth and source credibility. Also, ethos can be built effectively by creating unassuming yet complimentary profiles and statuses that focus on positive impacts on society.