GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY ON MALAYSIAN MILLENNIALS

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyse which gender language features are used by both genders in computer-mediated communication (CMC) and also investigates if online gender communication reflects normal face-to-face communication. Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed in addressing the objectives of the study. A total of 260 Facebook comments were collected and analysed using more than one methodological approach in accordance with CMDA (Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis). Main Findings: The findings show that male language features occurred more frequently compared to female language features. However, commenters of both genders do not always follow their respective gender language features. This shows that commenters from both genders do not necessarily follow their own gender stereotypes according to the different contextual situations they face. Applications of this study: The findings from this study can contribute to gender language studies and also benefit those who are interested in millennial research and the usage of CMC in recent times. Novelty/Originality of this study: In this research, common framework in analysing gender differences is improved to fit the needs of current CMC trends.