Trust and credibility from desktop to handheld

Abstract

A discussion of the responsibilities of both the rhetorician and audience regarding issues of trust and credibility, this essay lays an historical background of rhetoric dating from ancient Greece through to modern-day rhetorical applications. Traditional oral rhetoric is juxtaposed with written and multi-media rhetoric. Following the advancements to modern-day rhetoric, audience responsibility is demonstrated as applied to various historical contexts and rhetorical situations. Issues of usability and trust come into play as empirical studies of iPad and email newsletter usability tests are discussed including how usability serves to create trust. Everyday trust and credibility is also noted through the mention of daily web usage and common preferences for visiting the same websites frequently as opposed to venturing out to new ones regularly. Collectively this research suggests that both the rhetorician and the audience carry the burden of responsibility regarding trust and credibility.