The Threats of Misinformation on Discourse Communities

How the Internet Ruins Everything!

Abstract

In this WRS class, students were asked to propose a research project that would extend the

understanding they already have about writing. Using John Swales’ work “The Concept of

Discourse Community,” Evan Hurst examines how perceived hierarchies influence the integrity

of discourse communities, and how the internet’s democratization of information influences

dynamics of discourse communities for novice members.