Regulation of digital social networks, political propaganda and opposition discourse: a case study into the tension between Elon Musk and the Brazilian Judiciary

Authors

  • Duílio Fabbri Júnior Centro Universitário Salesiano de São Paulo (Unisal), Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55765/atps.i28.3649

Keywords:

freedom of expression, digital networks, political polarization, Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes the political discourse surrounding the conflict between Elon Musk and the Brazilian Judiciary, particularly Minister Alexandre de Moraes, in the context of digital social network regulation. Its objective is to understand how polarized narratives are constructed and disseminated in a post-truth era marked by disinformation and ideological antagonism. Grounded in discourse analysis, the study justifies its relevance by the growing use of digital platforms for political influence and the absence of specific regulation in Brazil. The results reveal how both sides employ generalizations, emotional appeals, and ambiguity to legitimize their positions, turning social networks into arenas of political propaganda rather than democratic dialogue.

References

Arendt, H. (2004, c1951). The origins of totalitarianism. Schocken Books.

Austin, J. L. (1990, c1962). How to do things with words. Harvard University Press.

Bacon, F. (2017, c1620). Novum Organum. Open Court Publishing.

Baron, J. M. (2017). Understanding trumpism: nationalism, populism and industrialism. Retrieved from https://www.baronpa.com/library/understanding-trumpism-nationalism-populism-and-industrialism

Charaudeau, P. (2008). Discurso político: Problemas de análise. São Paulo: Contexto.

Charaudeau, P. (2016). Discurso das mídias. São Paulo: Contexto.

Chomsky, N. (2002). Media control: The spectacular achievements of propaganda (2nd ed.). Seven Stories Press.

Freud, S. (2010). O futuro de uma ilusão. Imago.

Lopes, J. (2023). Freedom of expression and distributive justice: A capability-based approach. Retrieved from https://www.conjur.com.br

McComiskey, B. (2017). Post-truth rhetoric and composition. Utah State University Press.

Robert, A.-C. (2018). La stratégie de l’émotion. Lux.

Santaella, L. (2021). De onde vem o poder da mentira. Estação das Letras e Cores.

Van Dijk, T. A. (2006). Discourse and manipulation. Discourse & Society, 17(3), 359-383. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926506060250

Downloads

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Fabbri Júnior, D. (2025). Regulation of digital social networks, political propaganda and opposition discourse: a case study into the tension between Elon Musk and the Brazilian Judiciary. International Journal Sociocultural Community Development and Practices, (28), 247–258. https://doi.org/10.55765/atps.i28.3649