3. Political Incivility

Question 1

What is political incivility?

Answer 1

“ A lack of respect for the social and cultural norms that govern personal interactions and the functioning of democratic systems” Bentivegna & Rega, p.4)

Question 2

Simpleee

Answer 2

disrespect for the foundational norms that make politics possible

Question 3

How many types of incivility are there?

Answer 3

3:
- Expressive incivility
- Instrumental Incivility
- Foundational Incivility

Question 4

Expressive Incivility?

Answer 4

• Disrespect for others —-> impoliteness, insulting and ridicule

Question 5

Instrumental incivility?

Answer 5

Disrespect for democratic principles –> delegitimising, stereotypes, ridicule, deception and disinformation

Question 6

Foundational Incivility ?

Answer 6

• Disrespect for democratic institutions–> discrimination, institutional delegitimatization, incitement to violence and hate)

Question 7

Why is political incivility dangerous?

Answer 7

This is dangerous because it breaks the foundations and principles of politics and democracy which is dialogue and therefore compromise.

Question 8

Consequences of political incivility?

Answer 8

• Linked to both increasing disaffection and distrust→ disaffection and disengagement (eg lower voter’s turnout)
  Also increased polarisation.

Question 9

People who use social media more are …

Answer 9

less sensible about political incivility as they are more exposed to it.

Question 10

Why is the normalization of political incivility dangerous for democracies?

Answer 10

• Increasing elections boycotting
• Increasing distrust politicians
• Increased animosity against those who think differently
• Difficulty in finding compromise
• Radicalised political confrontation

Question 11

Relationship between political incivility and media logic

Answer 11

Media logic refers to the rules, formats, and rhythms that guide how messages are shaped and shared in the media. It favors things like:

Conflict

Drama

Emotionally charged content

Simplified narratives

Political incivility fits perfectly into this logic. Why? Because it’s attention-grabbing, emotionally intense, and easily shareable.

Incivility gets more coverage in traditional media (e.g., politicians shouting in a debate) because it boosts ratings and views. —–> So, politicians and users often adopt uncivil styles to go viral, gain visibility, or dominate narratives.

Question 12

What are some ways that people can prevent moderation?

Answer 12

• through emoji and visual language to avoid being reported and censored but also because these emojis have been codified.

Emoji and visual language give shape to a social steganography !!!!!!

Question 13

What is a synecdotal enemy?

Answer 13

When it goes from a single politician to a whole party/area