Web-Based Political Advertising: Reactions and Attribution in the Discourse of Bolsonaro’s Followers on Twitter
Web-Based Political Advertising: Reactions and Attribution in the Discourse of Bolsonaro’s Followers on Twitter

Summary/Abstract: This text analyzes a publicity strategy used by the Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, on Twitter. Internet groups and digital social networks have been important tools for adding visibility to various opinions and political projects. This behavior, as shown by Charaudeau (2016), can be explained by the processes of reaction — by some social groups — and attribution — by political actors. To understand discursively this operation, this paper analyzes some reactions to a post — from April 14, 2021 — in which Bolsonaro stated that he was waiting for the folks “to give him a sign” in order to take action regarding the Brazilian situation. We have shown how several interpretations have emerged from such a generic and populist statement. They are examples of the follower behavior and the feeling of interlocution that each individual thinks he or she has on the digital social networks.

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