An essay on Populism and Social Networking Websites

Abstract

In this essay, it will be discussed how journalistic activity has been criticized by populist political leaders and how the narrative of the “journalist as an enemy” is associated with the rise of social media as vehicles of the populist political message. In addition, some considerations will also be made on the need to regulate these online platforms, in order to combat phenomena of misinformation and the spread of fake news so often associated with populist leaderships. Among this essay's conclusions is the fact that the lack of scrutiny and the journalistic filter reward the emergence of ill-informed voters and, therefore, allow the rise of populist political leaders whose proposals and/or ideals are not properly scrutinized by public opinion. This reflection becomes particularly pertinent if we consider that, ultimately, such phenomena could jeopardize the vitality of democratic regimes and the holding of free and fair elections.