How has technology changed the daily use of Logos, Ethos & Pathos in conversation

The exponential rise of technology has created a fascinatingly different world of communication and impacts the way in which people can converse behind a screen rather than in person. Through what we have learned regarding Logos, Ethos and Pathos I have considered what aspects of logic, ethics, and emotion have changed in society.

Beginning with logos, I believe the technological advancements that have been made in the last 10 years have greatly improved the logical reasoning for many arguments and statements. Through the extreme amount of information that is available through the internet, it is easier than ever to prove something and find out facts regarding anything and everything. It is clear that the internet and all other forms of technology that improve logical research are bettering society. Technology in many cases has been thought of to damage communication skills because talking in person is tremendously different than having the time to type what to say and think about it before pushing send. However, with logic and facts I believe that the information is in front of you regardless and the implementation of technology simply helps you gain more knowledge.

Ethos however is quite different, and I begin to explain my reasoning for this through the definition of Ethos which reads as follows: “convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader”. I intentionally brought notice to the word ‘convincing’ because argumentation and reasoning are much more effective in person. Very few people in this world learn their morals or ethics from technology, but rather from real life situations and experiences. An example I often see are the inspirational quotes on social media sites such as twitter… They might bring brief attention to the subject being addressed but more often than not it doesn’t change the way you do something. Yet, if that inspirational subject is seen in person like a teenager helping an old lady cross a busy intersection, it is more likely than not going to impact the audience who saw it happen more than it is the people that heard about it the next day from a Facebook post. I conclude this brief rant with the simple quote, “well done > well said”.

I consider pathos to be similar to ethos in the way that technology is perhaps negatively impacting the way it is being used in conversation in todays day in age. Pathos is seen through the terms ‘emotion’ and ‘convincing’ which both are so much deeper than just words on paper. Gestures, expressions, and reactions all play a part into the impact that in-person confrontation has on the ability to use pathos as a measure of rhetorical persuasion. I become much more convinced or persuaded on a topic when I hear the statement being said to my face, rather than through a phone or computer screen. A simple example of this is seen through the saying “I love you” being said. Many people greatly value that and consider it of great importance to a relationship, yet it would lose tremendous value if it was said over a text message rather than in person.

In conclusion I believe that the constant additions to the technological world are improving society as a whole, but greatly hindering our ability to converse at high levels due to the lack of face to face confrontation since an ‘easier’ method has been put into place of sitting behind a computer screen.