LINGUISTIC STRATEGIES OF UNAUTHORIZED PREMIUM FEATURE SELLERS ON PLATFORM X

Abstract

A complicated issue that touches on linguistics, digital ethics, and platform governance is the growth of digital gray markets, especially the illicit sale of premium application features on social media. Although the legal and economic sides of these behaviors have been studied, there is still a great deal to learn about the intentional language tactics used by sellers to influence potential customers and normalize illegal transactions. Using the framework of Appraisal Theory, this study seeks to discover and analyze the word choices and evaluative language used by unauthorized sellers on Platform X (previously Twitter) (Martin & White, 2005). Data from 30 seller accounts were gathered by non-participatory observation and documenting using a mixed-method convergent parallel design. Appraisal categories and quantitative frequency analysis were then used for qualitative analysis. The results show that language from the Appreciation category (72.62%) is most frequently used to highlight the value of the product (e.g., murah/cheap, full garansi/full warranty), followed by Judgment (27.38%) to establish the seller's reputation (e.g., trusted, quick response). Interestingly, the Affect category was missing (0%), suggesting a deliberate preference for logical, value-based persuasion over emotional appeals. According to the study's findings, sellers use "linguistic camouflage," imitating professional business discourse, to counteract the illegality of their offerings, foster trust, and appeal to consumers pragmatism. Enhancing digital literacy, improving platform content moderation algorithms, and guiding regulatory approaches to informal digital economies are all made possible by these insights.