YouTube and political ideologies: Technology, populism and rhetorical form

Finlayson, Alan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3939-349X (2022) YouTube and political ideologies: Technology, populism and rhetorical form. Political Studies, 70 (1). pp. 62-80. ISSN 0032-3217

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Abstract

Digital media are driving profound changes in contemporary politics, including, this article argues, to the production, reception and dissemination of political ideas and ideologies. Platforms increase the number and political range of ‘ideological entrepreneurs’ using distinct rhetorics through which ideas are articulated and experienced. Developing and justifying these claims I draw on the political theory of ideologies, digital media studies and rhetorical political analysis. I show how a populist ‘style’ and appeal to rhetorical ethos, linked to mediatisation, are intensified by digital media, affecting ideological form and content. Explaining in particular how YouTube constitutes political-ideological communication I examine in detail the British-based political YouTuber Paul Joseph Watson. I show that his political ideology is a blend of conservatism and libertarianism, with a populist style and rhetorical ethos of ‘charismatic’ authority. Centred on the revelation of political truths, presented as of therapeutic benefit for individuals, it is characteristic of the medium.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: youtube,digital and social media,political ideologies,populism,rhetoric,sociology and political science ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3312
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies (former - to 2024)
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Research Groups > Cultural Politics, Communications & Media
Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Research Groups > Political, Social and International Studies
Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Research Groups > Policy & Politics
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 21 May 2020 00:23
Last Modified: 03 Dec 2024 01:26
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/75271
DOI: 10.1177/0032321720934630

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