Digitally mediated communication

Unger, Johann Wolfgang (2020) Digitally mediated communication. In: Researching Discourse : A Student Guide. Routledge, London. ISBN 9781138551084

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Abstract

This chapter will begin by considering what is unique about digitally mediated discourse, but will also outline some of the continuities with other forms of discourse. It will present the basic tenets of three main frameworks (which also overlap to a considerable extent): computer-mediated discourse analysis (based on the work of Herring, e.g. 2004), discourse-centred online ethnography (based on Androutsopoulos 2008) and critical approaches to digitally mediated-discourse (based on KhosraviNik & Unger 2016, also called social media critical discourse studies in KhosraviNik’s more recent work, e.g. 2017). It will then go on to suggest how elements of each can be adopted to form a coherent methodology in investigations in digital media contexts. The ethical issues specific to digital media research will be discussed in some detail, with reference to examples of different approaches to e.g. anonymization, inclusion of usernames/identities, and inclusion of verbatim data. Towards the end of the chapter, a case study of the US politician Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s tweets will illustrate how how to carry out an achievable investigation into digitally mediated discourse that nevertheless draws on the latest theoretical and methodological insights in more advanced scholarly work.