Critical Discourse Analysis of Online Platforms: An Overview

Abstract

The rise of online platforms has transformed the discourse landscape, enabling users to create and share content actively, thereby shaping public perceptions and societal narratives. Understanding the dynamics of this discourse is essential for comprehending its socio-political implications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) concerning online platforms, exploring how language is utilized across various digital contexts to influence identity formation and social inequalities. Methodologically, the review systematically searches electronic databases, including Google Scholar and ProQuest, using keywords related to CDA and online platforms. A total of 30 relevant studies are purposefully selected and thematically analyzed to identify key patterns and insights. The findings of this review reveal that online platforms significantly impact public opinion and identity through discourse practices, highlighting strategies that reinforce stereotypes and manipulate perceptions. The analysis categorizes these practices across social networking sites, microblogs, multimedia content, and advertisements. Ultimately, the review underscores the importance of critical engagement with digital communication to enhance understanding of its ideological undercurrents. It advocates for future research to explore underrepresented areas, such as emerging social media platforms and the effects of algorithm-driven content.