Leiden University Student Repository

Paillot, Francois (2023)

What if we all logged out? A Twitter Analysis on echo-chambers and the impact of online political polarization on the public’s view of democracy.

Master thesis | Political Science (MSc)

Although social media has revolutionized how we learn, form opinions, and have conversations, it also has the potential to undermine democracy. Due to the rise of social media and digital media, political polarization online has sharply increased, with even elected officials and members of the political elite class also engaging in divisive propaganda and false information. This study, through a Twitter analysis, explores the impact of political polarization on citizens' beliefs in their democratic institutions, electoral systems, and government. This research applies relevant but underappreciated theories like the legitimacy theory and the homophily theory to understand how democracy and the internet interact.

Polarisation

social media

internet governance

political legitimacy

Author

Paillot, Francois

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

International Organization

Supervisors

Dr Hagen Rutger

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en