Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter)

Kleber Carrilho; Marina Fontolan; Eurídice Hernández; Gisele Silva

Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter)

Kleber Carrilho, Marina Fontolan, Eurídice Hernández, Gisele Silva

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

Abstract

In January 2021, Brazil had a critical moment in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by the beginning of the vaccination campaign. The country, facing a high number of deaths and transmission, was a battleground for polarised discussions, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding the vaccination effort. Much of this controversy was fuelled by the rhetoric of President Jair Bolsonaro, who advocated for unproven treatments rather than following scientific guidance. There was a significant political disagreement in Brazil concerning vaccines involving ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and previous São Paulo governor João Doria, who supported the first vaccine implemented in the nation, the Chinese CoronaVac. This study delved into the dynamics of polarisation and disinformation on X (former Twitter) and the front pages of two major Brazilian newspapers (Folha de S. Paulo and Estadão) during that pivotal month, coinciding with the first vaccinations on the 17th. Using data from X extracted with MeCodify, the research employed topic modeling and analysis of highly retweeted and commented tweets to understand the interplay between mainstream media events and their reflection in social media discussions. By correlating information collected from newspapers with data extracted from X, our study demonstrates that tensions between the Brazilian government and supranational entities influence social media engagement and usage patterns. The study revealed that X was important for polarisation and disinformation during this phase. Pro-government and opposition groups were sharply divided, each crafting its narrative regarding vaccination, with the pro-government group tending to disseminate misinformation and disinformation, while the opposition group primarily aimed to share scientific information and promote vaccination. Additionally, our findings suggest that the pro-government camp was more effective in controlling the narrative on X, with their tweets gaining greater reach and engagement.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation : HEPP3 conference proceedings
Editors	Kleber Carrilho, Laura Horsmanheimo, Katinka Linnamäki
Number of pages	13
Volume	1
Place of Publication	Helsinki
Publisher	University of Helsinki
Publication date	2024
Edition	3
Pages	31-43
Article number	3
Publication status	Published - 2024
MoE publication type	Not Eligible

Publication series

Name	HEPP Working Paper Series
Publisher	University of Helsinki
Volume	3

Fields of Science

518 Media and communications

Access to Document

HEPP working paper series VOL3_Carrilho_Fontolan_Hernandez_SilvaFinal published version, 452 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

Cite this

Carrilho, K., Fontolan, M., Hernández, E., & Silva, G. (2024). Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter). In K. Carrilho, L. Horsmanheimo, & K. Linnamäki (Eds.), Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation: HEPP3 conference proceedings (3 ed., Vol. 1, pp. 31-43). Article 3 (HEPP Working Paper Series; Vol. 3). University of Helsinki.

Carrilho, Kleber ; Fontolan, Marina ; Hernández, Eurídice et al. / Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter). Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation: HEPP3 conference proceedings. editor / Kleber Carrilho ; Laura Horsmanheimo ; Katinka Linnamäki. Vol. 1 3. ed. Helsinki : University of Helsinki, 2024. pp. 31-43 (HEPP Working Paper Series).

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abstract = "In January 2021, Brazil had a critical moment in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by the beginning of the vaccination campaign. The country, facing a high number of deaths and transmission, was a battleground for polarised discussions, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding the vaccination effort. Much of this controversy was fuelled by the rhetoric of President Jair Bolsonaro, who advocated for unproven treatments rather than following scientific guidance. There was a significant political disagreement in Brazil concerning vaccines involving ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and previous S{\~a}o Paulo governor Jo{\~a}o Doria, who supported the first vaccine implemented in the nation, the Chinese CoronaVac. This study delved into the dynamics of polarisation and disinformation on X (former Twitter) and the front pages of two major Brazilian newspapers (Folha de S. Paulo and Estad{\~a}o) during that pivotal month, coinciding with the first vaccinations on the 17th. Using data from X extracted with MeCodify, the research employed topic modeling and analysis of highly retweeted and commented tweets to understand the interplay between mainstream media events and their reflection in social media discussions. By correlating information collected from newspapers with data extracted from X, our study demonstrates that tensions between the Brazilian government and supranational entities influence social media engagement and usage patterns. The study revealed that X was important for polarisation and disinformation during this phase. Pro-government and opposition groups were sharply divided, each crafting its narrative regarding vaccination, with the pro-government group tending to disseminate misinformation and disinformation, while the opposition group primarily aimed to share scientific information and promote vaccination. Additionally, our findings suggest that the pro-government camp was more effective in controlling the narrative on X, with their tweets gaining greater reach and engagement.",

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Carrilho, K, Fontolan, M, Hernández, E & Silva, G 2024, Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter). in K Carrilho, L Horsmanheimo & K Linnamäki (eds), Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation: HEPP3 conference proceedings. 3 edn, vol. 1, 3, HEPP Working Paper Series, vol. 3, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, pp. 31-43.

Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter). / Carrilho, Kleber; Fontolan, Marina; Hernández, Eurídice et al.
Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation: HEPP3 conference proceedings. ed. / Kleber Carrilho; Laura Horsmanheimo; Katinka Linnamäki. Vol. 1 3. ed. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, 2024. p. 31-43 3 (HEPP Working Paper Series; Vol. 3).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

TY - CHAP

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AU - Fontolan, Marina

AU - Hernández, Eurídice

AU - Silva, Gisele

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - In January 2021, Brazil had a critical moment in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by the beginning of the vaccination campaign. The country, facing a high number of deaths and transmission, was a battleground for polarised discussions, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding the vaccination effort. Much of this controversy was fuelled by the rhetoric of President Jair Bolsonaro, who advocated for unproven treatments rather than following scientific guidance. There was a significant political disagreement in Brazil concerning vaccines involving ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and previous São Paulo governor João Doria, who supported the first vaccine implemented in the nation, the Chinese CoronaVac. This study delved into the dynamics of polarisation and disinformation on X (former Twitter) and the front pages of two major Brazilian newspapers (Folha de S. Paulo and Estadão) during that pivotal month, coinciding with the first vaccinations on the 17th. Using data from X extracted with MeCodify, the research employed topic modeling and analysis of highly retweeted and commented tweets to understand the interplay between mainstream media events and their reflection in social media discussions. By correlating information collected from newspapers with data extracted from X, our study demonstrates that tensions between the Brazilian government and supranational entities influence social media engagement and usage patterns. The study revealed that X was important for polarisation and disinformation during this phase. Pro-government and opposition groups were sharply divided, each crafting its narrative regarding vaccination, with the pro-government group tending to disseminate misinformation and disinformation, while the opposition group primarily aimed to share scientific information and promote vaccination. Additionally, our findings suggest that the pro-government camp was more effective in controlling the narrative on X, with their tweets gaining greater reach and engagement.

AB - In January 2021, Brazil had a critical moment in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by the beginning of the vaccination campaign. The country, facing a high number of deaths and transmission, was a battleground for polarised discussions, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding the vaccination effort. Much of this controversy was fuelled by the rhetoric of President Jair Bolsonaro, who advocated for unproven treatments rather than following scientific guidance. There was a significant political disagreement in Brazil concerning vaccines involving ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and previous São Paulo governor João Doria, who supported the first vaccine implemented in the nation, the Chinese CoronaVac. This study delved into the dynamics of polarisation and disinformation on X (former Twitter) and the front pages of two major Brazilian newspapers (Folha de S. Paulo and Estadão) during that pivotal month, coinciding with the first vaccinations on the 17th. Using data from X extracted with MeCodify, the research employed topic modeling and analysis of highly retweeted and commented tweets to understand the interplay between mainstream media events and their reflection in social media discussions. By correlating information collected from newspapers with data extracted from X, our study demonstrates that tensions between the Brazilian government and supranational entities influence social media engagement and usage patterns. The study revealed that X was important for polarisation and disinformation during this phase. Pro-government and opposition groups were sharply divided, each crafting its narrative regarding vaccination, with the pro-government group tending to disseminate misinformation and disinformation, while the opposition group primarily aimed to share scientific information and promote vaccination. Additionally, our findings suggest that the pro-government camp was more effective in controlling the narrative on X, with their tweets gaining greater reach and engagement.

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BT - Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation

A2 - Carrilho, Kleber

A2 - Horsmanheimo, Laura

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PB - University of Helsinki

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ER -

Carrilho K, Fontolan M, Hernández E, Silva G. Polarisation and Disinformation in Brazil's COVID19 Vaccination Onset on X (former Twitter). In Carrilho K, Horsmanheimo L, Linnamäki K, editors, Reflections on emotions, populism and polarisation: HEPP3 conference proceedings. 3 ed. Vol. 1. Helsinki: University of Helsinki. 2024. p. 31-43. 3. (HEPP Working Paper Series).