Metavoicing, trust-building mechanisms and partisan messaging: a study of social media usage by selected South African female politicians
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates social media usage patterns, Twitter' frequency use and message typologies of selected South African female politicians'.Using the digital public sphere theory as a lens, the study considers six hundred Twitter posts from six female politicians from the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, and Economic Freedom Fighters political parties to examine the potential of social media for visibility and participation, particularly for female politicians who are underrepresented in mainstream media platforms.The study finds that these politicians leverage digital media to promote their public works, challenging media gatekeeping and asserting agency in shaping public discourse.The findings also reveal the strategic use of social media for selfpromotion allowing female politicians to enhance visibility, influence public perception, and consolidate their positions.
Authors: Trust Matsilele, Sisanda Nkoala
Language: English
Topic: Social Media and Politics
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4386513140