Rhetoric Society Quarterly May 2024

Pathological Liars: Algorithmic Knowing in the Rhetorical Ecosystem of <i>Wallstreetbets</i>

Misti H. Yang ; Zoltan P. Majdik

Abstract

This essay demonstrates the value of using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to address specific kinds of research questions in rhetoric. The essay builds on a study of a novel rhetorical object first observed by Yang on the Reddit subreddit r/wallstreetbets. We demonstrate how the rhetorical structure of "pathologics" (1) generated a kind of rhetorical authority that can be measured by higher-than-average user engagement on Reddit and (2) circulated from Reddit into more traditional legacy media. Through our research on the rhetorical circulation of pathologics, we argue that researching rhetoric with AI can center new ways of knowing about concepts relevant in rhetoric, like circulation and rhetorical ecosystems. Further, we argue that researching rhetoric with AI always also entails considering a "rhetoric of AI," requiring critical attention to the platforms, infrastructures, and data sources connected to AI systems.

Journal
Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published
2024-05-26
DOI
10.1080/02773945.2024.2343616
Open Access
Closed
Topics
social media

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Omizo (2025)
    Research Brief: Transformers
    College Composition and Communication

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    Machining Topoi: Tracking Premising in Online Discussion Forums with Automated …
    Computers and Composition
Show all 15 →
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    Rhetorical Hegemony: Transactional Ontologies and the Reinvention of Material I…
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CrossRef global citation count: 1 View in citation network →

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