The paper analyzes the impact of digital ecosystems on contemporary democracies, highlighting their ambivalent nature. Digital platforms foster civic participation and give voice to marginalized groups, yet they can also generate censorship, polarization, and restrictions on freedom of expression, raising ethical and social concerns. The research focuses on the U.S. presidential campaign between June and November 2024—a crucial period that allows for an examination not only of Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and his replacement by Vice President Kamala Harris but also of the evolution of the political and communicative strategies that led to Donald Trump’s victory. Through a comparative analysis of the most significant content posted by the candidates on X, Instagram, and TikTok, the study investigates differences in tone, political goals, and rhetorical strategies, showing how these platforms contributed to shaping collective narratives and broader metanarratives. The aim is to map the evolution of public opinion trends and the key macro- themes emerging from both the political agenda and voters’ perceived priorities, offering a critical reflection on the polarizing dynamics that define public debate in the digital age.
The double-edged nature of platformization between empowerment and polarization: democratization processes in US
Daniele Battista
;Lucia Picarella
2025
Abstract
The paper analyzes the impact of digital ecosystems on contemporary democracies, highlighting their ambivalent nature. Digital platforms foster civic participation and give voice to marginalized groups, yet they can also generate censorship, polarization, and restrictions on freedom of expression, raising ethical and social concerns. The research focuses on the U.S. presidential campaign between June and November 2024—a crucial period that allows for an examination not only of Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and his replacement by Vice President Kamala Harris but also of the evolution of the political and communicative strategies that led to Donald Trump’s victory. Through a comparative analysis of the most significant content posted by the candidates on X, Instagram, and TikTok, the study investigates differences in tone, political goals, and rhetorical strategies, showing how these platforms contributed to shaping collective narratives and broader metanarratives. The aim is to map the evolution of public opinion trends and the key macro- themes emerging from both the political agenda and voters’ perceived priorities, offering a critical reflection on the polarizing dynamics that define public debate in the digital age.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
