The manipulation of information in the digital universe and the rise of the extreme right in Brazil under the Bolsonaro government: the focus on social networks
Disinformation; Jair Bolsonaro; Online Social Networks
This study investigates the rise of the far right in Brazil, focusing on the online social networks used by Jair Messias Bolsonaro, particularly his official account on X (formerly Twitter) to spread disinformation. The general objective is examining the main themes propagated in the Bolsonarista digital environment from 2019 to 2022 identified as disinformation by the fact-checking agency Aos Fatos. The specific objectives include: a) Identify the digital platforms most used by Jair Bolsonaro's government and which contained disinformation; b) Evaluate whether the content of disinformation depreciate public figures or directed attacks at political opponents. Methodologically, this study is descriptive and adopts a qualitative approach. The results show an intensive use of social networks by Bolsonaro, highlighting X as his main channel of communication and dissemination of disinformation. 318 statements by Bolsonaro published on the microblog were analyzed and were classified as disinformation by the fact-checking agency. Of these, 53.1% were related to the coronavirus, coinciding with the country's biggest health crisis. Furthermore, it was found that Bolsonaro's statements often promote attacks on Brazilian democracy and human rights