Abstract
Pronoun use has been linked to focus of attention and feelings of group identity and cohesion. This study tests if the use of we and you pronouns are related to feelings of ostracism in an online chat group. We pronouns have been linked to higher group identity, and their use may decrease if participants feel ostracized. You pronouns have been linked to differentiation and distancing, and their use may increase with feelings of ostracism. Participants discussed their views about climate change (study 1) or the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump (study 2) in an online group chat. Afterward, participants assessed feelings of ostracism from the group. In both studies, participants who felt more ostracized used more you pronouns but not fewer we pronouns.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 65-77 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Communication Reports |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 Western States Communication Association.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Education
- Communication
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language
Keywords
- Group Discussion
- Group Identity
- LIWC
- Ostracism
- Pronouns
