elpais.com
Argentina's Online Insult Surge: Milei's Aggressive Communication Style Under Scrutiny
A study reveals a doubling of online insults in Argentina (27.5 million between January 2023-June 2025), with President Javier Milei leading among politicians with 1,589 insults, impacting democratic discourse and public perception.
- What are the key factors driving the surge in online aggression in Argentina, and how do different user categories contribute to this phenomenon?
- The study by Ad Hoc reveals a correlation between the rise in online insults and the last presidential campaign and the $Libra cryptocurrency scandal, both involving President Milei. Three user categories drive this: trolls, instigators (like Milei), and amplifiers. This pattern impacts democratic discourse, hindering meaningful discussions.
- How has the dramatic increase in online insults in Argentina impacted political discourse and public perception of political leaders, particularly President Milei?
- In Argentina, online aggression doubled in the last two and a half years, reaching 27.5 million insults between January 2023 and June 2025. President Javier Milei ranks sixth nationally with 1,589 insults, leading among political figures. This surge, observed since the last presidential campaign, intensified during the $Libra cryptocurrency scandal.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the aggressive communication style employed by President Milei and other political figures on the Argentine political landscape?
- The increasing verbal aggression, while boosting public attention for perpetrators, carries risks. A University of Buenos Aires study shows 71% of respondents view Milei's communication style negatively, including 30% of his own voters. His strategy's long-term effectiveness hinges on maintaining a perception of economic competence.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Milei as the primary driver of online aggression in Argentina's political sphere. While it acknowledges that other figures also engage in insulting behavior, the emphasis on Milei's actions and the specific number of insults he has made (1589) positions him as the central problem. The headline itself, "La provocación permanente," contributes to this framing. This emphasis might overshadow the broader problem of online aggression, making it appear more focused on one individual rather than a systemic issue.
Language Bias
The article itself uses strong, negative language to describe Milei's communication style, such as "insults," "agravios," and "agresiones." While this reflects the nature of the subject matter, it also contributes to a negative framing of Milei. The article uses neutral language when reporting the findings of other studies, but the overall tone leans toward portraying Milei negatively.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the online insults of Javier Milei, but omits analysis of the broader societal factors contributing to the rise of online aggression in Argentina. While it mentions other political figures and parties, it doesn't provide a comparative analysis of their online communication styles or the volume of insults they produce relative to their online presence (e.g., follower count). The article also doesn't delve into the role of social media algorithms or platform policies in amplifying such behavior. This omission limits a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Milei's aggressive communication style and the potential for productive political discourse. It suggests that his use of insults automatically precludes meaningful discussion, neglecting the possibility that some of his supporters might find his approach authentic or effective despite the use of harsh language. There's no exploration of alternative communication strategies that might be equally effective in reaching his audience while mitigating the negative effects of insults.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in online aggression and insults in Argentina, particularly attributed to political figures. This rise in online harassment undermines peaceful and inclusive societies, hindering justice and strong institutions. The normalization of verbal violence in political discourse threatens democratic processes and social cohesion. The study shows a direct link between the increase in online insults and a decrease in meaningful political discussions.