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The Rhetoric of Deception: A Critical Analysis of Propaganda Language on Social Media

Introduction

The rhetoric of deception: a critical analysis of propaganda language on social media. Critical analysis of propaganda language and deception on social media. This study examines how rhetorical devices manipulate public perceptions and highlights the need for media literacy.

Abstract

This study examines the spread of propaganda through social media discourse, focusing mainly on language. Propaganda, as defined as a purposeful, planned attempt to influence perceptions, change beliefs, and direct behaviors, usually includes disseminating false information, and fake news. This study examined how one could use social media, namely Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram, to propagate propaganda while addressing political and governmental influence on media biases. This study utilized critical discourse analysis, specifically utilizing Norman Fairclough's framework, by applying it to social media examples. Given the qualitative approach to this study, we were able to see with greater clarity, emergent methods that propagandists may employ in the process of manipulating a public, relying on different rhetorical devices such as testimonials, bandwagoning, transfer, repetition, and appeals to emotion. The findings suggest the notable negative impact propaganda can have on individual and societal levels, highlighting the role language can have as a tool of propaganda. This study argues that enhancing media literacy and critical analysis of digital material are necessary policies to consider to alleviate the harmful aspects of propaganda.

Review

This study undertakes a highly relevant and critical examination of propaganda's linguistic strategies on social media, a topic of immense importance in contemporary digital communication. The abstract clearly articulates the study's focus on language and rhetoric, defining propaganda effectively, and identifying key platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). The application of Critical Discourse Analysis, specifically Norman Fairclough's framework, provides a robust methodological lens for dissecting the complex interplay of language, power, and manipulation. The qualitative approach is well-suited to uncovering the emergent rhetorical devices—such as testimonials, bandwagoning, and appeals to emotion—that propagandists deploy, offering tangible insights into the mechanics of deceptive communication. While the study's conceptual framework and aims are strong, the abstract leaves some methodological details underspecified. For instance, the nature and scope of the "social media examples" used for analysis are not elaborated. A clearer indication of *what kind* of examples were analyzed (e.g., specific campaigns, events, or a curated dataset) and the rationale behind their selection would enhance the replicability and generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, while Fairclough's framework is invoked, the abstract could more explicitly demonstrate how its specific dimensions (description, interpretation, explanation) were used to analyze the identified rhetorical devices and link them to the broader political and governmental influences on media biases. This would strengthen the integration of theory and empirical analysis. Despite these minor areas for potential clarification, this paper addresses a pressing societal concern with a rigorous analytical approach. The findings regarding the negative impact of propaganda and the identified rhetorical strategies are significant, culminating in a crucial call for enhanced media literacy and critical analysis skills. The study offers valuable contributions to our understanding of digital deception and provides practical implications for countering its harmful effects. This is a timely and important piece of research that, with minor elaborations on its methodological specifics, would be a strong addition to the field.

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