This study analyzes how Dutch far-right and anti-Covid groups use Telegram. To answer this, a thematic analysis is done on textual posts to discover prominent themes among the discourses of the...Show moreThis study analyzes how Dutch far-right and anti-Covid groups use Telegram. To answer this, a thematic analysis is done on textual posts to discover prominent themes among the discourses of the groups. Eventually, to explore how the groups express themselves online. Moreover, the comparative case study focuses on the relations between the discursive strategies to investigate the overlap between the groups. To do this, the paper uses social mobilization and repression-dissident theories. These explain how the characteristics of online groups translate to discourse as well as the implications of online dissident methods on repression-dissident dynamics. The results show that all groups employ Telegram for the creation of a collective identity, activation and mobilization of rebellion, and the expression of ideology. Collective identity explains the mobilization efforts of the groups and anti-establishment sentiment raises the potential for event coalitions. However, differences between the methods of the far-right and anti-Covid groups can be found in the context in which they use discursive strategies. The former primarily focuses on constructing a homogeneous network of followers, while the latter requires large event-based attraction to achieve its goal. These findings are essential for understanding the state threat perception and the decision-making process of targeted government policies on dissident groups. Ultimately, these findings add to the understanding of the repression-dissident nexus and how dissimilar groups use social media platforms.Show less
