The following thoughts are in response to reading N. Hayles (2003) article.
Trying to understand digital literature through a traditional literature mindset is going to be unsuccessful. This is because digital literature has morphed into something far beyond its origins of mostly text-based navigation systems and we still tend to evaluate literature from a text perspective. Modern digital literature is almost a new language; text interwoven with images, video, sound, and light. It stands to reason that because digital literature is so different, the way we evaluate it also needs to adapt. To extend further, the way I experience digital literature is also different, I listen, see, move and navigate. Based on the traditional definition of reading, am I still reading when I watching an embedded video? Perhaps we need to consider whether reading needs to be redefined as well.
As for where digital literature is heading; where is technology heading? The authors/artists of digital literature use digital tools to create an experience and as new tools become available, these too will be used to further change and adapt their work. I think that we are in for a profound period of change; for authors as they grapple with moving into the digital realm; for readers as we too start to migrate (willingly or not) and for libraries, who once again will reinvent themselves to support users who seek information.
N. Hayles. (2003). Deeper into the machine: The future of electronic literature. Culture Machine. https://culturemachine.net/the-e-issue/deeper-into-the-machine/