Investigating the impact of impoliteness strategies on online communication

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 81 views

An Analysis of Impoliteness Strategies Used by Haters in the Online Comments of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Instagram

Introduction

In the current digital era, social media has become a primary platform for people to express their opinions and feelings, both positive and negative. With the rise of social media, public figures such as Governor Andrew M. Cuomo have become increasingly accessible to the public, with over 1.1 million followers on Instagram. However, this increased accessibility has also led to a surge in negative interactions, including online comments that can be hurtful and damaging. This research aims to investigate the various impoliteness strategies used by haters in online comments on Governor Cuomo's Instagram account.

Theoretical Background

The theory of impoliteness, proposed by Culpeper, provides a framework for understanding the type and function of impoliteness strategies. According to Culpeper, impoliteness can be categorized into four types: bald impoliteness, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, and sarcasm/mock. This research utilizes this theory to analyze the online comments on Governor Cuomo's Instagram account.

Methodology

This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, analyzing 42 comments selected from six photos posted by Governor Cuomo between February 20 to March 9, 2021. The data was processed using an interactive model from Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, which included three steps of analysis: data condensation, presentation of data, and drawing conclusions or verification.

Results

The results of the analysis showed four types of identified impoliteness strategies:

Bald Ineffectiveness Recorded (23.80%): This type of impoliteness involves direct and explicit attacks on Governor Cuomo, often using aggressive language.
Positive Ineffective (38.09%): This type of impoliteness involves using positive language to mask a negative intention, often by making a backhanded compliment or a sarcastic comment.
Negative Ineffective (30.95%): This type of impoliteness involves using negative language to express dissatisfaction or criticism towards Governor Cuomo.
Sarcasm/mock (7.14%): This type of impoliteness involves using sarcasm or mockery to express contempt or disdain towards Governor Cuomo.

Interestingly, the type of strategy withhold politeness was not found in these comments, which may be caused because this strategy is more commonly used in direct communication than on digital platforms.

Functions of Impoliteness Strategies

The analysis also identified three functions of the impoliteness strategies:

Affective Ineffective (92.86%): This function involves expressing negative emotions or dissatisfaction with Governor Cuomo, often using language that is hurtful or damaging.
Coercive Ineffective (2.38%): This function involves trying to force or control the perception of others towards Governor Cuomo, often by using language that is manipulative or coercive.
Other functions (4.76%): This function involves other types of impoliteness strategies that do not fit into the above categories.

Conclusion

This research provides a clearer picture of how social media users interact with public figures, and highlights the importance of understanding impoliteness strategies in the context of online communication. The findings of this research can help individuals and organizations to manage and respond to criticism more effectively in the current information age. Furthermore, this research opens up space for a deeper understanding of the dynamics of communication in the context of immorality, and highlights the need for a healthier and more constructive communication environment.

Implications

The increasing use of social media has made it essential for policy makers and the general public to understand negative interactions and develop strategies to manage and respond to criticism effectively. This research provides a valuable contribution to this effort, and highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of impoliteness strategies in the context of online communication.

Limitations

This research has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the analysis. Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and a more comprehensive analysis of impoliteness strategies.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the following directions:

Investigating the impact of impoliteness strategies on online communication: This research should aim to investigate the effects of impoliteness strategies on online communication, including the impact on public figures, online communities, and individuals.
Developing strategies to manage and respond to criticism: This research should aim to develop effective strategies for managing and responding to criticism, including the use of impoliteness strategies and other communication techniques.
Exploring the role of social media in shaping public opinion: This research should aim to explore the role of social media in shaping public opinion, including the impact of impoliteness strategies on public opinion and the role of social media in shaping public discourse.
Q&A: Understanding Impoliteness Strategies in Online Communication

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the various impoliteness strategies used by haters in online comments on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Instagram account. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about impoliteness strategies in online communication.

Q: What are impoliteness strategies?

A: Impoliteness strategies refer to the ways in which individuals use language to express contempt, disdain, or disrespect towards others, often in a way that is hurtful or damaging. These strategies can take many forms, including direct attacks, sarcasm, mockery, and other forms of negative language.

Q: Why are impoliteness strategies used in online communication?

A: Impoliteness strategies are used in online communication for a variety of reasons, including to express negative emotions, to criticize or attack others, and to manipulate or control the perception of others. In the context of online communication, impoliteness strategies can be particularly damaging because they can be easily disseminated and can reach a large audience.

Q: What are the different types of impoliteness strategies?

A: The different types of impoliteness strategies include:

Bald impoliteness: This type of impoliteness involves direct and explicit attacks on others, often using aggressive language.
Positive impoliteness: This type of impoliteness involves using positive language to mask a negative intention, often by making a backhanded compliment or a sarcastic comment.
Negative impoliteness: This type of impoliteness involves using negative language to express dissatisfaction or criticism towards others.
Sarcasm/mock: This type of impoliteness involves using sarcasm or mockery to express contempt or disdain towards others.

Q: What are the functions of impoliteness strategies?

A: The functions of impoliteness strategies include:

Affective impoliteness: This function involves expressing negative emotions or dissatisfaction towards others, often using language that is hurtful or damaging.
Coercive impoliteness: This function involves trying to force or control the perception of others towards others, often by using language that is manipulative or coercive.
Other functions: This function involves other types of impoliteness strategies that do not fit into the above categories.

Q: How can individuals and organizations manage and respond to criticism effectively?

A: Individuals and organizations can manage and respond to criticism effectively by:

Being aware of impoliteness strategies: Understanding the different types of impoliteness strategies and how they are used can help individuals and organizations to anticipate and respond to criticism more effectively.
Developing effective communication strategies: Developing effective communication strategies, including active listening and respectful language, can help individuals and organizations to manage and respond to criticism more effectively.
Fostering a positive online community: Fostering a positive online community, including encouraging respectful language and behavior, can help to reduce the impact of impoliteness strategies and create a healthier online environment.

Q: What are the implications of impoliteness strategies for online communication?

A: The implications of impoliteness strategies for online communication are significant, including:

Damaging relationships: Impoliteness strategies can damage relationships between individuals and organizations, and between individuals and their online communities.
Creating a toxic online environment: Impoliteness strategies can create a toxic online environment, including promoting hate speech, harassment, and other forms of negative behavior.
Undermining trust and credibility: Impoliteness strategies can undermine trust and credibility, including damaging the reputation of individuals and organizations.

Conclusion

Impoliteness strategies are a significant concern in online communication, and can have serious implications for individuals and organizations. By understanding the different types of impoliteness strategies and how they are used, individuals and organizations can develop effective strategies to manage and respond to criticism, and create a healthier online environment.