Résumé:
In the modern era, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have radically
transformed how individuals from different generational cohorts communicate virtually.
Indeed, these platforms not only create a virtual space that facilitates bridging the gap between
different age cohorts, but also encourage users through features such as filters, trending sounds,
emojis, hashtags, and visual storytelling tools to express themselves in diverse, multimodal
manners that go beyond text alone. This includes the use of distinct language styles and visual
strategies that reflect generational identities. Although previous studies have explored
Millennials’ and Generation Z’s linguistic and visual preferences of Instagram and TikTok,
there remains a significant gap in understanding how these generational differences manifest
in the Algerian context. This study aims at comparing and analyzing the specific language
styles and visual strategies used by Algerian Millennials and Generation Z in their
intergenerational communication on Instagram and TikTok. The study uses a mixed-method
approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A survey is
administered to 209 participants that are stratified by generation to collect data on their
language and visual preferences. Additionally, focus groups are conducted to explore the
factors influencing these preferences, such as cultural influences, technological familiarity, and
generational identity. Then, content analysis of selected social media posts is performed to
identify patterns in language and visual usage. The findings reveal some differences between
the two generations and how they use language styles and visuals on Instagram and TikTok.
Millennials prefer a balanced combination of formal and informal language with medium
image content, but Generation Z prefer informal slang-based language and emotive images,
especially on TikTok. Those patterns somehow reflect the digital habits, cultural influences,
and the avenues used by members of each generation for expression of identity and to lay the
foundations for intergenerational communication in Algeria.
