Cross-platform analysis of PLCs' (parties, leaders, candidates) social media presence in Israel's 2015 electoral campaign. Issue 4 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haleva-Amir, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Israel affairs. Volume 27:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 750
• Page End: 772
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Israel -- cross-platform analysis -- equalisation v normalisation hypotheses -- online political campaigns -- social media -- personalised politics -- PLCs (parties, leaders, candidates) -- algorithmic campaigns; Israel -- History -- 1933- -- Periodicals; 956.94054
• DOI: 10.1080/13537121.2021.1940563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-7121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article analyzes social media presence of all parties, leaders, and candidates (PLCs) during Israel's 2015 electoral campaign, within a transformational era for online campaigns. The article adheres to the theoretical frameworks of normalisation/equalisation hypotheses and personalised politics. Its research design is based on a cross-platform analysis. Findings indicate not only a centralised personalisation trend but rather a depersonalised web sphere. Leaders are more prominent online compared to other candidates; and parties out-perform their leaders, too. Furthermore, findings point to a normalised web sphere, even when referring to new and trendy platforms, revealing that the chances of political newcomers entering the parliamentary arena are scarce.