Affixation in the Age of Digital Discourse: The Emergence of New Word Forms on Social Media

Abstract

This research explores the phenomenon of affixation within the context of digital discourse, focusing on the emergence of new word forms on social media platforms. As communication shifts towards rapid, concise exchanges, users increasingly create neologisms by employing prefixes and suffixes to adapt existing words for contemporary contexts. This study analyzes how these linguistic modifications reflect cultural trends, social dynamics, and user creativity in online environments. Through a qualitative examination of social media interactions, we identify common patterns of affixation and their implications for language evolution. The findings reveal that affixation not only serves functional purposes—such as enhancing expressiveness and facilitating humor—but also fosters community identity among users. Additionally, this research considers the role of algorithms and digital literacy in shaping language use, highlighting the interplay between technology and linguistic innovation. Ultimately, this study contributes to the understanding of language change in the digital age, offering insights into how social media acts as a catalyst for linguistic creativity.

Keywords: affixation, digital discourse, neologisms, social media, language evolution, online communication, linguistic creativity, community identity.