The Impact of Internet Slang on Social Power Structures: An Analysis Through Foucault's Theory

Internet slang makes communication faster and easier. Many groups, especially the young use it frequently in online communication. With the development of internet slang, people can find that internet slang may become an effective tool for marginalized groups to promote their discourse power and the social power structures may be changed. This research examines the rise of internet slang and its effects on social power structures. Using Michel Foucault's theories of power and knowledge to analyze the relationship between internet slang and discourse power. It explores the rhetorical mechanisms of internet slang, particularly how language influences people’s emotions. Meanwhile, it also considers how social identities and authority are influenced by internet slang. By applying Foucault's theory, the paper explores these interactions in the context of power dynamics and the construction of knowledge. The findings are summarized in the conclusion, which offers perspectives for future research, solutions to study limitations, and emphasizes the significant role of internet slang in breaking the monopoly of discourse power that was controlled by authorities.