Evolvement and use of stigmatized expressions in computer-mediated communication

Abstract A stigmatized expression is featured by its potentially discrediting attributes unwanted by community members. It is heavily context-dependent, especially in computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is text-based and features abbreviations, acronyms, and creative use of punctuation. The paper discusses the perception, judgment, and use of stigmatized expressions from the socio-cognitive approach (SCA) perspective. Our theory- and data-based analysis leads to the following conclusions. First, stigmatized expressions are considered pervasive and generally detrimental, thus worthy of continuous attention. Second, their emergence and recognition arise from the mutual effort of societal and individual factors, making them dynamic, ambiguous, context-dependent, and culture-specific. Third, the mechanism of generating stigmatized expression turns out to be spiral, while the circulation seems scarcely affected by its divergent interpretations. The sociocultural context serves as a trigger and an outcome in that it facilitates the processing of stigmatized expressions and is simultaneously modified.