Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to explore the various forms of rhetoric utilized in digital communities pertaining to COVID-19. The body of this thesis synthesizes social media data with original human subjects research, supplemented by a review of the literature surrounding digital communication. The analysis of these freestanding communities highlights the differences in communication throughout these spaces, as well as discusses their differences in reaction to disordered information. Through rhetorical analysis of the language employed by COVID-19 denialist communities on Twitter and a review of the experiences of COVID-19 “long-haulers” in COVID-19 related online communities (such as Facebook and Reddit), this project offers novel insights into COVID-19 communication and the spread of misinformation.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Singer, Sarah

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

English

Degree Program

Technical Communication

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-1-2021

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