Nonbinary pronouns in X (Twitter) bios: Gender and identity in online spaces

Abstract

This study explores the usage of nonbinary pronouns on X (formerly known as Twitter), focusing on THEY and neopronouns like ZE or XE within the nonbinary community. Building on the increasing practice of sharing pronouns, especially in online spaces, the research collects 1,980 X accounts using Followerwonk. Despite ideological differences across U.S. regions, no substantial variations in pronoun usage are observed. Notably, a preference for rolling pronouns (e.g., they/she) emerges, with fewer instances of monopronoun usage (e.g., they). When a single pronoun is chosen, it is often accompanied by the respective accusative form, while rolling pronoun users tend to omit the accusative. Users with binary pronouns often prioritize it as their first chosen pronoun. THEY remains the predominant nonbinary pronoun, with neopronouns being rare. The study highlights X profiles as valuable sources for understanding linguistic patterns related to social trends, particularly in the context of gender equality and network relations.