Salgo, EszterStartin, NicholasJannin Piwudzka, Anastasia2024-06-042024-06-042024Jannin Piwudzka, Anastasia. "Social media as a form of political communication: The case study of Meloni, Salvini and Conte". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2024https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14490/104Thesis (B.A. in Political Science, Minor in History)--John Cabot University, Spring 2024.Social media are not just used to connect online anymore but have become powerful weapons that trigger political storylines and public opinion. Politics is now shifting to social media and other virtual platforms, often marginalizing traditional public spaces. It appears sensitive and proactive to its existing electoral base and seeks to engage undecided voters. It is possible to notice this tendency in Italian politics, as figures like Giuseppe Conte, Matteo Salvini, and Giorgia Meloni effectively use these platforms. All these leaders have addressed the public through social media, avoiding traditional context filters and building their image. Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy, uses social media to reinvigorate nationalist feelings and mobilize conservatives. Salvini, a member of the League, attracts followers, and interacts directly with them, often sparking a buzz in public debate. Conversely, Giuseppe Conte, formerly identified with the Five Star Movement, uses social media to present a calmer more collaborative image, that appeals to a larger audience looking for unity. This research examines how these leaders’ use of social media reflects broader patterns of digital political communication. It raises questions about the authenticity of mediated political communication, the impact of direct digital interaction on traditional politics, and the potential of social media in Italy.v, 46 pagesenAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Communication in politicsSocial mediaPolitical aspectsGiorgia Meloni, 1977-Giuseppe Conte, 1964-Thesis