Gendered Language and Digital Poetics: Representations of Gender in Viral Online Poetry on Social Media
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24071/joll.v26i2.616Keywords:
digital poetry, gender and language, gender representation, multimodality, social mediaAbstract
This study examines the discourse of gender through poetic language and practices on social media. By concentrating on the popularity of internet poetry during 2023-2024, this study seeks to explore the role of language and discourse within poetic discourse. A total of 319 works were examined in order to identify gender-specific characteristics in Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). The analysis was carried out qualitatively and thematically using multiple modalities that drew on theories and concepts from linguistics and gender studies. Theoretical frameworks such as digital semiotics and discourse analysis were employed to interpret the collected data and detect patterns. The findings of this study show that digital poetry mirrors gendered discourse. Female authors were more inclined to draw inspiration from emotions and nature, whereas male authors tended to depend on abstract ideas and metaphors. Non-binary creators conveyed their feelings through ambiguous and unisex metaphors. The analysis showed that Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter influence the ways gender is represented in poetry differently. By combining the analysis of poetic language and content, this research identifies patterns that mirror the state of gendered discourse on social media. Furthermore, it underscores the need to reconsider existing perceptions of language and discourse with regard to digital practices, gender equality, and feminism.References
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