Development of the Language of Positive Emotions in the Russian-Speaking Online Environment (Based on Research on Selected Content from Instagram, VK, and YouTube Platforms)

Abstract

This article explores the evolving trends in expressing emotions within the Russian-speaking online environment. The primary objective is to identify the linguistic mechanisms employed in online communication.

The main methodologies applied include observation, systematic sampling, and the systemati­zation and description of linguistic material. The hypothesis posited in this article suggests a shift in the period from 2010 to 2023, where internet users are moving away from expressing predominantly negative emotions or concealing their feelings. Instead, there seems to be a growing inclination toward a more positive and open expression of emotions.

The gathered data not only confirm this hypothesis but also highlight that from 2018 to 2019, coinciding with an observed and statistically supported surge in user interest in mental health, new linguistic expressions emerged. There was also a notable trend of actively incorporating psychological terms from foreign online spaces.

Towards the conclusion of the article, we propose that this trend may be linked to the emotional intelligence levels of average young users.

This research provides a foundation for future interdisciplinary studies.