The Impact of Emotional Appeals in Political Misinformation Campaigns

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of emotional appeals in political misinformation campaigns, with a focus on the 2020 U.S. presidential election. It aims to understand how emotions such as fear, anger, and hope are leveraged to manipulate beliefs and behaviors, influencing public opinion and political outcomes. By analyzing the emotional content of misinformation spread during the election, the study seeks to uncover patterns and effectiveness of these appeals. Additionally, the research explores how emotional responses to misinformation vary based on factors like ideology, demographics, and prior beliefs. The findings aim to provide insights for policymakers and the public to navigate political information critically and resist manipulative strategies.