Digital Writing– Second Edition

A Guide to Writing for Social Media and the Web

Written by: Daniel Lawrence

Publication Date: August 15, 2026
ISBN: 9781554817061 / 1554817064
180 pages; 6" x 9"

Digital Writing offers a practical rhetorical framework for writing and analyzing content for social media and the web. In an age of disinformation, algorithmic influence, and hyper-targeted digital advertising, writers must approach the digital landscape with both critical awareness and strategic intent. Drawing on classical and contemporary rhetoric, the philosophy of technology, and digital media theory, the book offers an interdisciplinary foundation for real-world digital writing. It also prepares readers for careers in digital writing, marketing, and communications, with particular attention to the ethical challenges of social and digital media.

The second edition features major updates reflecting today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, including a new chapter on artificial intelligence that critically examines the topic and emphasizes the value of human-driven writing. New end-of-chapter exercises further support readers in developing practical, adaptable skills for writing in digital environments.

An instructor site includes quizzes for each chapter, discussion board prompts, and links to supplemental readings and videos.

Chapter 1: Introduction To Digital Writing

1.1 Introduction
1.2 What Is Digital Writing?
1.3 Rhetorical Framework for Digital Writing
1.4 Rhetoric, Audience, and Technology
1.5 Rhetoric in Application

1.5.1 Ethos
1.5.2 Pathos
1.5.3 Logos

1.6 Procedural Rhetoric
1.7 Careers in Digital Writing
1.8 How to Use This Text
1.9 Exercises
1.10 Artificial Intelligence Exercises

Chapter 2: Writing for Social Media

2.1 The Digital Writing Process
2.2 Rhetoric and Social Media
2.3 Seven Key Skills for a Digital Writer
2.4 Emulation
2.5 Interactivity
2.6 House of Language: The Language Game
2.7 What Is Social Media?
2.8 Benefits of Social Media
2.9 Social Media in Business
2.10 Global Social Media Usage
2.11 Major Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)

2.11.1 Facebook
2.11.2 X (Twitter), Bluesky Threads (“Microblogging” or Short Post Platforms)
2.11.3 Instagram

2.12 Digital Media and Marketing
2.13 Marketing Departments
2.14 Marketing versus Advertising
2.15 Conversions
2.16 Case Studies and Applications
2.17 Writing Calls to Action
2.18 Writing for Facebook
2.19 Writing for Instagram
2.20 Writing for X (Twitter)
2.21 Exercises
2.22 Artificial Intelligence Exercises

Chapter 3: Writing for the Web

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Global Internet Access and Usage
3.3 User Behavior and Time Online: What Are People Doing on the Internet?
3.4 Algorithms and the Black Box of Technology
3.5 Ethics, Data, and Privacy
3.6 Searchability/Findability
3.7 Disinformation
3.8 Writing Content for the Web
3.9 Web Traffic
3.10 Blogging
3.11 Search Engine Optimization
3.12 Content Writing
3.13 Landing Pages
3.14 Using Web Building Tools
3.15 Exercises
3.16 Artificial Intelligence Exercises

Chapter 4: Digital-Visual Design

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Visual Rhetoric
4.3 Graphic Design
4.4 The Rise of Digital Video
4.5 Digital-Visual Design
4.6 Don’t Be Afraid of Adobe
4.7 YouTube and Video Advertisements
4.8 Aesthetics and Microgenres
4.9 Emergent Technology and the Reality of the Virtual
4.10 Exercises
4.11 Artificial Intelligence Exercises

Chapter 5: Digital Writing Jobs

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Articulating Skills and Digital Skills
5.3 Acquiring and Claiming Skills
5.4 Specializations and What Employers Look For
5.5 Applying to Jobs
5.6 Networking and LinkedIn
5.7 The Digital Writer’s Resume
5.8 The Digital Writer’s Cover Letter
5.9 Conclusion
5.10 Exercises
5.11 Artificial Intelligence Exercises

Chapter 6: Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

6.1 How Many People Are Using Artificial Intelligence Tools?
6.2 How Does Generative Artificial Intelligence Work?
6.3 What’s the Big Deal with Artificial Intelligence?
6.4 Tensions in the Classroom: Why Your Professors Are Grumpy about Generative AI
6.5 Common Ways for Writers to Use Artificial Intelligence
6.6 Should a Machine Think for You?
6.7 Artificial Intelligence in Real, Daily Life
6.8 Specific Use Cases in Social Media for AI
6.9 Artificial Intelligence beyond Chatbots
6.10 Artificial Intelligence Exercises