Understanding Viral Communism: A Thematic Analysis of Twitter During Brazil's 2018 Elections. (17th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levy, Helton; Sarmento, Claudia
• Is Part Of: Westminster papers in communication and culture. Volume 15:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2020-03-17
• Subjects: virality -- Twitter -- Brazil, elections -- anti-communism -- right-wing; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Communication in politics -- Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.16997/wpcc.322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6716

Abstract

This research performs a thematic analysis on tweets published during Brazil's 2018 elections that mentioned communism. The idea was to identify the linkages to other underlying themes that emerged during what we saw as the Twitter 'virality of communism' and interpret them considering the backdrop of anti-communist discourses in the country. The results show that political polarisation, distrust of democracy, criticism of the left and praise of militarism and religion are the most recurrent themes. We conclude by situating the virality of the term 'communism' as a process that follows a context of disinformation and hopelessness, but which also relates to the legitimate concerns of Brazilian voters.