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Forms and functions of contradiction in online communities

This paper uses a comparative approach to address computer-mediated communication (CMC) in Internet newsgroups in France, in Great Britain and in the USA.

CMC is first analyzed from a formal point of view ; the distinctive features of messages are isolated. The use of certain repetitive forms and typographical conventions points to specific social and interpersonal functions. These conventions are shown to constitute the basis of an emerging, fully-fledged genre.

The social functions of Internet newsgroups are then scrutinized to ascertain the presence or absence of social norms, the role of etiquette , conformity and deviance, the part played by linguistic strategies and the role of language in establishing dominance/subservience relationships within given groups. The essential role of contradiction and more generally of conflict is brought to light.

The relationship of Internet newsgroups with communities is then examined in an effort to understand the appeal of CMC to Internet users. The notion of community itself is put into critical perspective in the process.