Blokkeertzij

Blokkeertzij is a term used in Dutch-language online discourse to describe a person who systematically blocks other users on social media as a form of boundary-setting and content control. The word is a portmanteau of blokkeert (blocks) and zij (she/they), functioning as a noun to refer to the actor rather than the action alone.

Origin and usage: The origin is uncertain; it emerged in informal online discussions in the 2020s and has appeared in blog posts, podcasts, and sociolinguistic commentary. It is not a formal or widely standardized term and may appear in variants such as blokkeert-zij.

Concept and interpretation: In usage, blokkeertzij is used to analyze digital civility and moderation practices. Proponents describe blokkeertzij as a pragmatic boundary-setting behavior that protects a user from harassment or irrelevant content. Critics argue it can contribute to silencing and echo chambers when used excessively or opportunistically.

Examples and reception: The term has been cited in discussions about platform design and discourse dynamics, though it remains a niche descriptor and is not widely codified in academic taxonomies. It is sometimes used to discuss the impact of blocking on political or social debates.

See also: Related concepts include online blocking, muting, content moderation, echo chambers, and filter bubbles.