The Language of Social Media: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Online Debates

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a powerful platform for public discourse, shaping societal narratives and influencing debates on key issues. This study applies Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the language employed in online debates, particularly focusing on power dynamics, ideological representations, and the construction of meaning within digital conversations. The research investigates how language use on social media both reflects and reinforces existing social hierarchies, revealing hidden power relations and the potential manipulation of discourse. By analyzing a case study centered on a contentious joke in the Oxford University revue, this study illustrates how online interactions expose broader societal concerns, including free speech, political correctness, and classism in elite institutions. Furthermore, the study highlights how social media debates create echo chambers, foster polarization, and amplify ideological narratives, often leading to censorship, trolling, and misrepresentation of social realities. Using a qualitative case study approach, data from major online discussion platforms were systematically analyzed to uncover how discursive strategies influence public perception and social engagement. The findings emphasize the need for digital literacy and critical engagement in online discussions to mitigate the risks of misinformation and ideological manipulation. This research contributes to the growing field of digital discourse studies by providing insights into how online debates shape public opinion and democratic engagement.