Impoliteness Strategies in Public Reactions to Hailey Bieber’s Instagram Post

This research explores the phenomenon of impoliteness in public reactions on social media, particularly within the comment section of Hailey Bieber’s Instagram account. The aim of the study is to categorize and examine the many forms of rudeness tactics employed by netizens and how they represent social interaction trends in the online world. The data were gathered qualitatively from comments that used offensive or impolite language, and Culpeper (2011) framework of impoliteness tactics was used for analysis. Bald on-record rudeness, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, sarcasm or mock politeness, and withhold impoliteness are the five main categories of impoliteness tactics identified by the study. Each tactic works by directly insulting, ridiculing, rejecting, or remaining silent in order to endanger the target's face. According to the publication, Instagram is a medium that allows users to openly express their feelings, opinions, and criticisms often without social restraint. The findings highlight the fact that rudeness on social media is a reflection of social attitudes and cultural norms in online communication as well as a linguistic act. Therefore, raising awareness and fostering more courteous online interactions require an understanding of impoliteness strategies.