Onlinediskursiven

Onlinediskursiven is a term used in digital rhetoric and online discourse studies to describe a set of practices and norms intended to foster productive, civil, and evidence-based argumentation in online spaces. In this usage, online discourse is analyzed or guided according to standardized patterns that separate argumentative moves from off-topic or hostile remarks.

The term appears as a neologism in some Germanic-language scholarly discussions, combining the English word online with the Scandinavian/Germanic root diskursiv, meaning discursive. It is not universally standardized and may be used variably to describe either the approach to analysis of online discussion or a normative ideal for shaping online conversations.

Core features attributed to onlinediskursiven include a clear argumentative structure, explicit referencing of sources, and explicit distinction between claim, evidence, and counterargument. It also emphasizes turn-taking, respectful tone, moderatorship, and the use of platform features (quotes, annotations, and citations) to maintain traceable dialogue.

Applications of the concept include the evaluation of forum threads, comment sections, and educational platforms, as well as the design of online debate environments intended to reduce misinformation and flame wars. Researchers may employ discourse-analytic methods, coding schemes, or moderation guidelines inspired by onlinediskursiven principles.

Critics note that such norms can privilege certain cultural or rhetorical styles and may be difficult to enforce in anonymous or large-scale environments. Others argue that the concept risks normalization of moderation and constraining legitimate disagreement, particularly in diverse communities.

See also: digital rhetoric, online discourse, deliberative democracy, argumentation theory.