The Style of Expression on Social Networks (Facebook Comments as Example).

Abstract

Digital platforms such as Facebook can be considered as a contemporary means for building real friendships and genuine social relationships.

This research examines the relationship between language, society, and technology in social networks, which have become part of contemporary daily life. Facebook comments were analyzed to reveal stylistic meaning regarding formal/informal usage, gender, age, geographical dialect, and cultural level.

Results show that Facebook users employ five types of stylistic meaning: formal, informal, literary, high cultural level, and low cultural level. This diversity demonstrates users' linguistic richness and ability to adapt their style to different situations. Social factors significantly influence linguistic style selection. Gender, age, education level, and profession directly impact stylistic meaning choice. Each group displays distinct linguistic characteristics in expression style, vocabulary usage, and language formality. Comment topics play a key role in determining stylistic meaning. Formal and political topics require formal stylistic meaning, while personal and family topics need informal language.