Promotion of hate speech by Spanish political actors on Twitter

Abstract

IntroductionBy examining the messages published by Spanish political groups on Twitter, this paper seeks to identify the level and understanding of the type and use of hate speech within these groups’ discursive strategy.MethodFor this purpose, the topics of 60,209 tweets published between September 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020, by sixteen political groups, leaders, and spokespersons of the Congress of Deputies in Spain were analyzed.ResultsThe data reveal a low presence of expressions of hate, most of which do not have a sentimental charge.ConclusionDespite not observing a high rate of use of this type of expression within the rhetorical discursive strategy applied by political groups, some features associated with this type of expression are identified, more aimed at positioning around issues and specific social groups (immigration), and the greater use of messages published by others, retweeted by these actors for this purpose, among other features.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.