Digital semaphore: Political discourse and identity negotiation through 4chan’s /pol/

Abstract

This article explores the ways in which Blommaert’s (2018) notion of “light” identity markers in digital spaces shows—through specific features within /pol/—the “politically incorrect” board of the popular anonymous imageboard website 4chan. Here, flags attached to individual user posts work to frame interaction, which can both signal sincerity to a post with a national flag, or demonstrate a predilection for deception and trolling with what is known as a “memeflag.” Users implement these choices to alter performative aspects of interaction on /pol/ and the “audience” of other users offer their own evaluations, dismissals, and jokes in the face of these displays. This article posits that “light” identity features, or those located within specific communities, as opposed to more widespread or institutionalized aspects of identities create categories of awareness in 4chan that, in turn, shapes ideas of competence for those who have “lurked” long enough to glean it.