Internet platforms as a factor of emotional discourse of vigilants communities

Abstract

This article identifies similarities and differences in emotional discourse in the communication of subscribers of vigilante Internet resources located on different technological platforms. As part of this study, API was used to upload comments over the past two years to materials posted in typical vigilante communities (Vkontakte API — “Lev Vs”, “StopHam”, “Piggy vs”, “Anti-dealer”; YouTube API — the most popular videos “Lev Vs”, “StopHam”, “Piggy vs”, “Sober Yard”). The sample size was 169,923 comments on Vkontakte and 175,096 comments on YouTube. The emoticon emoji served as the unit of analysis. Fixing the amount of emojis used was implemented with the assistance of a special Python script. Based on available data, a network analysis was carried out using the Gephi program (Frushterman — Reingold layout). The authors concluded that it is not the goal direction of the vigilante group, but the communication tool that becomes the most important factor for the formation of a paralinguistic emotional discourse. Vigilante media, presented in the form of public and channels, act as mass media, and viewers and readers of their communities are the audience consuming this information. This argument is confirmed by the constant use of emojis that emphasize the “entertainment” of the presented content. Thus, most often, representatives of vigilante communities form not adherents who are ready to take part in their actions, but consumers.