"LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF ONLINE COMMUNITIES"

Abstract

The digital age has revolutionized human communication, creating unique online communities where language plays a pivotal role in shaping and expressing identity. This research paper explores the interplay between linguistic practices and identity construction in digital spaces. By employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates computational linguistics with qualitative discourse analysis, the research investigates how individuals and groups negotiate their identities through language on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord. The study focuses on key linguistic phenomena, including code-switching, the use of hashtags, and platform-specific features, to uncover identity markers and patterns of linguistic diversity. It further examines how digital environments influence language evolution and identity negotiation, particularly for multilingual and marginalized communities. While the findings highlight the transformative role of digital platforms in shaping cultural and linguistic dynamics, the research also addresses challenges such as ethical constraints, platform-specific biases, and linguistic diversity. This interdisciplinary study contributes to the fields of sociolinguistics, computational linguistics, and digital humanities, offering practical recommendations for creating inclusive and culturally sensitive digital spaces. By bridging academic inquiry and real-world applications, this research provides valuable insights into the complexities of language and identity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.