Autori
Sorci, Giuliana
Piazzo, Robin
Simoncini, Guendalina
Trenz, Hans-Jörge

Titolo
Tweeting Abortion. A study on debate polarization and democratic quality online
Periodico
Polis
Anno: 2025 - Fascicolo: 3 - Pagina iniziale: 375 - Pagina finale: 403

This research assesses the dynamics of polarization in social media public debates through the case of abortion discussions in Italy. Analyzing more than 1000 tweets between 2019 and 2020, it employs indicators of interpretive, affective, and argumentative polarization to examine the discourse, revealing that despite high polarization across all dimensions, the debate maintains a "civic" quality, with regard to argumentation depth, argumentation type, and civility. The study observes an increase in articulated and instrumental arguments during intense contention phases, alongside a decrease in generic statements and accusations. Identity-based arguments are minimal and the debate is mainly driven by instrumental and normative arguments. The research also notes that uncivil behaviors such as insults and sarcasm are relatively rare, suggesting that heated yet civil debates prevail even in polarized conditions. This analysis highlights the nuanced dynamics of social media debates, pointing to an underlying resilience of civic discourse amidst polarization.



SICI: 1120-9488(2025)3<375:TAASOD>2.0.ZU;2-W
Testo completo: https://www.rivisteweb.it/download/article/10.1424/118538
Testo completo alternativo: https://www.rivisteweb.it/doi/10.1424/118538

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