How digital communication differs from the interaction we have with people in the real world
There are key differences between digital communication and in-person communication.
In person
Nonverbal cues. When you talk in person, you can see nonverbal cues. Body language, facial expressions, and gestures are some examples. These cues can change how a conversation feels compared to digital communication, where you cannot always see the person.
Stronger emotional connection. Talking to someone in real life compared to digitally gives a more intimate and emotional connection between people, because it feels more like a real interaction than a digital meeting does.
Immediate feedback. In real life communication, feedback is immediate. This gives conversations more flow, and if something needs to be clarified, it can be explained quickly.
Digitally
Convenient and accessible. A big advantage of digital communication is that it is very convenient and accessible. People from all around the world can communicate with each other with just the click of a button. This is very important for businesses and organizations that need to communicate worldwide.
Multitasking and distraction. When you are in a virtual meeting, it is very easy to be distracted by other things on the device. This can take focus away from the important conversation.
Technical challenges. For people who are not experienced with digital technology, it can be difficult to understand how technology works. Other technical challenges can include internet connection problems, software glitches, and device malfunctions. These problems would not happen if the meeting or event were in real life.
Example film
Scene 1: In real life, Alvin asks if they are still going golfing. Linus explains that he has been busy and says that they can still go in a relaxed way. Because Alvin can hear his tone and see his body language, he understands that everything is fine.
Scene 2: Digitally, Alvin sends the same message. Emil texts back that he has been busy and says, "it's whatever, we can still go." Alvin gets angry because he cannot see body language or hear tone of voice. He thinks Emil does not want to go, which creates a misunderstanding.
Language use and rhetorical devices in digital communication
Language use and rhetorical devices can impact digital communication in multiple ways. A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool meant to create a specific kind of understanding for a listener or reader. Rhetorical devices are often used to make arguments stronger or improve existing arguments.
Metaphor: A metaphor describes something as another thing to show a similarity between them. Red Bull's slogan "Red Bull gives you wings" is a metaphor. It does not physically give you wings, but it suggests that the drink gives you energy.
Hyperbole: A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to create emphasis or make something seem more dramatic. "I have been waiting forever" is a hyperbole because the person is exaggerating how long they have waited.
Rhetorical questions: A rhetorical question is a question asked for a purpose other than getting an answer. It can be asked as a challenge, like "Do you think you have what it takes?", or when the answer is obvious, like "Is the sky blue?"
These are some of the most common rhetorical devices, although there are many more. In digital communication, they can make messages more persuasive, emotional, or dramatic.
Sources
https://www.aiu.edu/blog/face-to-face-vs-screen-to-screen-communication-a-comparison/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/rhetorical-devices-list-examples
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/rhetorical-devices/rhetorical-device/