Rhetoric and New Media are two concepts that are merged into one in the article, “What is New Media”. When defining new media, the article states that it is a “term used to define all that is related to the Internet and the interplay between technology, images and sound”. In addition, the article sets up an umbrella for what new media can be and states that “most technologies described as "new media" are digital, often having characteristics of being manipulated, networkable, dense, compressible, and interactive”. These two relatively concise statements are imperative to understanding what New Media and how traditional rhetorical devices come into play across different mediums, yet past these quotes, the article "What is New Media" muddies the lines between what is and what is not new media. The article’s disorganization and embodiment and confusion is a direct representation of the constantly morphing definition and portrayal of New Media. The article physically shows how confused, broad, and indirect the definition of New Media truly is by confusing the reader to demonstrate New Media impermanence and constant redefinition.
Beyond New Media's ability to redefine itself constantly as new technologies emerge, it presents a fresh way of how we use rhetoric on a daily basis. New Media forces us to question if our new rhetorical tools will become “bits” and if “content” will take on a new meaning. When evaluating the effectiveness of rhetoric from a New Media platform, viewers, students, and readers will have to consider how online platforms, links to videos and external websites affect the pathos, ethos, and even chairos of what is being said versus those very tools and their use in traditional newspapers, magazines, and print publications that lack the new media realm.
Beyond New Media's ability to redefine itself constantly as new technologies emerge, it presents a fresh way of how we use rhetoric on a daily basis. New Media forces us to question if our new rhetorical tools will become “bits” and if “content” will take on a new meaning. When evaluating the effectiveness of rhetoric from a New Media platform, viewers, students, and readers will have to consider how online platforms, links to videos and external websites affect the pathos, ethos, and even chairos of what is being said versus those very tools and their use in traditional newspapers, magazines, and print publications that lack the new media realm.