America's "Influencer Politics" Breeds the Far-Right Republican Party

October 5, 2023

The rise of the far-right Republican Party in the United States is being driven by a new form of politics known as "influencer politics." Influencer politics is a style of political communication that relies on social media and other online platforms to reach and mobilize voters.

Influencer politics is characterized by its focus on personal attacks, emotional appeals, and conspiracy theories. It is also often used to spread misinformation and disinformation.

The far-right Republican Party has been particularly successful in using influencer politics. This is because the party's base of support is largely made up of people who are already distrustful of traditional institutions and who are more likely to be persuaded by emotional appeals.

Influencer politics has helped to fuel the rise of far-right figures such as Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert. These figures have used social media to spread their message of hate and division, and they have been able to connect with a large number of voters who are drawn to their populist rhetoric.

Influencer politics is a dangerous trend that is undermining American democracy. It is leading to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and it is making it more difficult for people to have civil and productive conversations about important issues.

Here are some of the key characteristics of influencer politics:

• Focus on personal attacks: Influencer politics often relies on personal attacks and insults to discredit opponents. This can be effective in mobilizing voters who are already angry and frustrated.
• Emotional appeals: Influencer politics often uses emotional appeals to connect with voters on a personal level. This can be effective in persuading voters who are not interested in the facts or the details of policy.
• Conspiracy theories: Influencer politics often spreads conspiracy theories to sow distrust and confusion. This can be effective in mobilizing voters who are already suspicious of the government or other institutions.

The implications of influencer politics:

Influencer politics is a dangerous trend that is undermining American democracy. It is leading to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and it is making it more difficult for people to have civil and productive conversations about important issues.

Here are some of the potential implications of influencer politics:

• Increased polarization: Influencer politics is making it more difficult for people with different viewpoints to find common ground. This is leading to increased polarization and gridlock in American politics.
• Damage to trust in institutions: Influencer politics is undermining trust in traditional institutions, such as the media, the government, and academia. This is making it more difficult for these institutions to function effectively.
• Increased risk of violence: Influencer politics can lead to violence. This is because it often encourages people to view their opponents as enemies who must be defeated.

Conclusion:

Influencer politics is a serious threat to American democracy. It is important to be aware of this trend and to take steps to counter it.

source : https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/009/0005195279?sid=104