What is it about?
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia (January–December 2021), online discussions on digital alternative news media were filled with misinformation and verbal aggression. This study analyzes user-generated comments from five popular alternative news websites, often accused of manipulating public opinion through fear and misleading narratives. Researchers conducted a content analysis of 260 discussions, identifying 328 motives behind commentators’ engagement, including fear, political interests, distrust of government, financial profit, and false hope. The study categorizes types of verbal aggression and aims to suggest ways to reduce hate speech in digital spaces by understanding why people engage in hostile and misleading debates.
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Why is it important?
This research sheds light on the growing influence of digital alternative news media and their role in shaping public discourse during crises. By analyzing user-generated comments in Slovakia's most popular digital alternative news media, the study uncovers the motives behind online commentators’ engagement and their use of verbal aggression. Understanding these dynamics is crucial because unregulated online discussions can amplify misinformation, fuel public distrust, and even pose threats to public health, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying the motives behind aggressive discourse and categorizing different types of verbal attacks, this study contributes to strategies for minimizing hate speech in digital discussions. The findings also challenge the perception of so-called "alternative journalism" in Slovakia, revealing how these outlets often manipulate public opinion using fear, blame, and emotional appeals.
Perspectives
This study provides a crucial examination of the role digital alternative news media play in shaping public discourse, particularly in times of crisis. What stands out most is how online discussions can become breeding grounds for misinformation, distrust, and verbal aggression—elements that can further polarize society rather than foster meaningful dialogue. The detailed categorization of aggressive commentators is particularly insightful, as it highlights the various ways people express frustration, fear, and opposition in the digital space. One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its focus on solutions. Instead of just diagnosing the problem, it offers actionable strategies, such as promoting positive news, encouraging constructive dialogue, and rebuilding trust in online discussions. In an era where digital communication is central to public discourse, these findings are highly relevant—not only for policymakers and media regulators but also for everyday users who engage in online conversations.
Hedviga Tkácová
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Analysis of Digital Alternative News Commentators’ Motives and Their Verbal Aggressiveness during COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovakia (January–December 2021), January 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004721326_015.
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