Language, Emotion, and Digital Storytelling: Analyzing the Affective Discourse of Instagram Posts

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay of language, emotion, and digital storytelling on Instagram, focusing on how users express affective discourse through posts and comments. As a prominent platform for visual narratives, Instagram facilitates emotional engagement through both its visual and textual elements. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing user-generated content to uncover prevalent emotional themes such as joy, nostalgia, and resilience. Findings reveal that users predominantly express positive emotions, often reframing experiences to foster connection and support. The study highlights the importance of markedness in emotional expression, suggesting that the platform’s features shape how users convey sentiments and engage with their audience. Additionally, the implications for future research in understanding emotional disclosure in digital contexts are discussed, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to emotion in online communication. By examining the affective dimensions of Instagram storytelling, this study contributes to the broader discourse on digital communication, offering insights into how language and emotion coalesce in shaping social connections in the digital age.

Keywords: language, emotion, digital storytelling, Instagram, affective discourse, user-generated content, social media, emotional expression.