This study focuses on the effects of ostracism on party discourse. By examining whether the rhetoric of radical right parties about ‘others’ (i.e., referring to democracy, its institutions and...Show moreThis study focuses on the effects of ostracism on party discourse. By examining whether the rhetoric of radical right parties about ‘others’ (i.e., referring to democracy, its institutions and political parties) has changed after an experience of exclusion, this study aims to determine whether the discourse tends to radicalise or moderate. A qualitative content analysis of 1,000 tweets from two excluded radical right parties in the Netherlands - the PVV (Party for Freedom) and FVD (Forum for Democracy) - and their front men in different periods has shown that their discourse became more radical after their exclusion from coalition negotiations. In addition, the results indicate that the measured effects are more pronounced with the first exclusion than with a subsequent exclusion.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
Together with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, something else started spreading just as fast as the novel coronavirus: misinformation and disinformation. An infodemic was born, and groups...Show moreTogether with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, something else started spreading just as fast as the novel coronavirus: misinformation and disinformation. An infodemic was born, and groups and pages focused on Covid-19 related conspiracy theories started popping up all over the internet. In this digital ethnography, I examine the online community of Dutch-speaking truth seekers, who claim that the corona restrictions are a first step towards a dystopian, global, totalitarian regime. The resulting thesis consists of an ethnographic video essay and a written text. Through the combination of a reflexive voiceover, screen recordings, interview fragments, found footage and screenshots, the film explores both the thoughts and experiences of my research participants being part of this community, as well as those of me doing this research. Focusing on the themes of truth, community and freedom, the written part examines the individual and social dynamics behind the rapid growth of this community. My findings are in line with earlier research on conspiracy belief and suggest that the appeal of the Dutch-speaking truth seeker community is threefold. It answers a desire to reduce the complexity of a chaotic reality, it provides social support in a world where many experience a lack of a sense of community, and it gives a sense of control in uncertain times.Show less
Master thesis | Crisis and Security Management (MSc)
open access
While the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, travels fiercely and fast throughout the world, many countries have also seen the growth of other supposedly viral phenomena such as conspiracy...Show moreWhile the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, travels fiercely and fast throughout the world, many countries have also seen the growth of other supposedly viral phenomena such as conspiracy theories and fake news. High-speed information sharing between news media providers and users, as well as cross-platform information cascades, have been made possible by social media platforms and digital technology. As a result, conspiracy theories and false information swiftly spread. For this thesis, a meta-analysis will be performed on several studies including new data and experiments related to the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 crisis is a very impactful crisis. It affects every individual in a society. The theory states that there is a relationship between conspiracy theories and political violence. Sitting at home and working can make people experience more stress, anxiety and insecurity, which is detrimental to their mental and physical well-being. The possible consequences can in the worst-case result in physical violence. These are relevant topics, because they can be anticipated in the event of possible new waves or new crisis. This research will show why it is important to pay extra attention during the corona crisis when it comes to conspiracy theories and how they spread on social media. In this way, the results of this research can be used to see the connection better and faster between social media, conspiracy theories and violence.Show less
