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"Left, right or something else, it doesn't matter to me": a study of master strategies, impression management, argumentative fallacies and substantiations in alt-right and alt-left discussions online

Thor, Mimmi LU (2019) SIMV10 20191
Master of Science in Global Studies
Graduate School
Abstract
This study treats argumentative behaviours, argumentative fallacies, impression management efforts, argument substantiations and master strategies in comments in the Facebook group Det fria ordet. The objective is to create a deeper understanding of how the discussions on the alt-left and -right in an online setting are carried out. This could facilitate meeting individuals’ argumentative behaviours and strategies, further enabling constructive discussions. The method chosen is argumentation analysis and the theoretical framework consists of Simmel’s (1971) social types, Goffman’s (2004) theory on impression management, argumentative fallacies according to Björnsson et al. (2009) and Ås’ (1980) master strategies. From these, ideal types,... (More)
This study treats argumentative behaviours, argumentative fallacies, impression management efforts, argument substantiations and master strategies in comments in the Facebook group Det fria ordet. The objective is to create a deeper understanding of how the discussions on the alt-left and -right in an online setting are carried out. This could facilitate meeting individuals’ argumentative behaviours and strategies, further enabling constructive discussions. The method chosen is argumentation analysis and the theoretical framework consists of Simmel’s (1971) social types, Goffman’s (2004) theory on impression management, argumentative fallacies according to Björnsson et al. (2009) and Ås’ (1980) master strategies. From these, ideal types, in accordance with Weber’s (1962) analytical tool, are constructed. The ideal type the Lonely know-it-all is characterised by pragmatism, fact appreciation, the master strategy ridiculing and an outside position. The Limitless Victor and Mastering Artist aim is to win the discussions, create disputes for the disputes’ sake and the use of the argumentum ad hominem fallacy. The Limitless Victor uses harsh language and the Mastering Artist refined language. The Peaceful Historian presents a peaceful self, substantiates argumentations with historical events and moves the responsibility for them arbitrary onto dissidents. The theories maintain relevant, however, Simmel’s (1971) social types need to be widened and adapted to be applicable onto some of the particularities of the online context. The ideal types also reflect today’s societal and social situation, e.g. “fake news” and the online context. The ideal types show a variety in impression management efforts, master strategies, argumentation strategies and substantiations. It indicates that to overcome the obstacles of the discussions, they need to be addressed according to their particularities. To practically meet commentators with these characteristics therefore requires further research. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Thor, Mimmi LU
supervisor
organization
course
SIMV10 20191
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
8994116
date added to LUP
2020-06-22 16:46:42
date last changed
2020-06-22 16:46:42
@misc{8994116,
  abstract     = {{This study treats argumentative behaviours, argumentative fallacies, impression management efforts, argument substantiations and master strategies in comments in the Facebook group Det fria ordet. The objective is to create a deeper understanding of how the discussions on the alt-left and -right in an online setting are carried out. This could facilitate meeting individuals’ argumentative behaviours and strategies, further enabling constructive discussions. The method chosen is argumentation analysis and the theoretical framework consists of Simmel’s (1971) social types, Goffman’s (2004) theory on impression management, argumentative fallacies according to Björnsson et al. (2009) and Ås’ (1980) master strategies. From these, ideal types, in accordance with Weber’s (1962) analytical tool, are constructed. The ideal type the Lonely know-it-all is characterised by pragmatism, fact appreciation, the master strategy ridiculing and an outside position. The Limitless Victor and Mastering Artist aim is to win the discussions, create disputes for the disputes’ sake and the use of the argumentum ad hominem fallacy. The Limitless Victor uses harsh language and the Mastering Artist refined language. The Peaceful Historian presents a peaceful self, substantiates argumentations with historical events and moves the responsibility for them arbitrary onto dissidents. The theories maintain relevant, however, Simmel’s (1971) social types need to be widened and adapted to be applicable onto some of the particularities of the online context. The ideal types also reflect today’s societal and social situation, e.g. “fake news” and the online context. The ideal types show a variety in impression management efforts, master strategies, argumentation strategies and substantiations. It indicates that to overcome the obstacles of the discussions, they need to be addressed according to their particularities. To practically meet commentators with these characteristics therefore requires further research.}},
  author       = {{Thor, Mimmi}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{"Left, right or something else, it doesn't matter to me": a study of master strategies, impression management, argumentative fallacies and substantiations in alt-right and alt-left discussions online}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}