Personalization of Digital Political Communication During the Administration of Chilean President Gabriel Boric
摘要
This chapter examines the digital political communication strategies employed by the cabinet ministers of Chilean President Gabriel Boric during the initial 82 days of his administration in 2022. Focusing on personalization, actor visibility, and non-political privatization, the study analyzes over 7,900 Twitter posts using big data and content analysis techniques. The findings reveal that personalization in communication is common across ministers, with both male and female officials displaying similar levels (14.3 and 14.1%, respectively). However, differences emerge in the type of personalization: male ministers emphasize actor visibility more, while female ministers show a higher tendency toward non-political privatization, reflecting personal or human aspects of their lives. The research highlights that while social media offers opportunities for direct engagement, it also reinforces traditional communication norms. Male ministers often project authority and leadership, while female ministers balance professional competence with relatable, personal narratives. These strategies are shaped by societal expectations and gender norms, aligning with prior theories of personalization in politics. The chapter concludes that digital platforms, particularly Twitter, play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of politicians. It calls for further exploration of how personalization influences political narratives and public engagement, particularly across diverse cultural and gendered contexts.