THE SPECTER OF MISINFORMATION IN THE 2024 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: AN ATTEMPT FOR POLICY NARRATIVE DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study analyses the discursive construction of misinformation in the context of the 2024 US presidential elections. Using the Public Policy Narrative Discourse Analysis (PASA) method, it analyses how misinformation is framed around three main narratives: The crisis narrative presents misinformation as a systemic problem that threatens democracy; the delusion narrative argues that this threat is exaggerated and can have negative effects on democratic values; and the double-edged sword narrative emphasises that artificial intelligence offers both a risk and a solution in the production of misinformation. The study shows that digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies offer solutions such as verification and media literacy as well as accelerating effects on misinformation processes. While the Crisis narrative legitimises technocratic and security-oriented approaches, the Delirium narrative emphasises anti-regulatory and libertarian values. The Double-edged Sword narrative, on the other hand, emphasises the search for ethical and justice-oriented balance. The study concludes by analysing the discursive frames of misinformation through the PASA method and emphasises the importance of developing more inclusive public policies through interdisciplinary and critical approaches. Key findings include the dominance of crisis rhetoric portraying misinformation as an urgent threat to democratic institutions, contrasted by skeptics who argue its impact is overstated and risks diverting focus from systemic issues. The study advocates for balanced narratives, leveraging PNDA’s iterative approach to dismantle harmful frames and foster inclusive public discourse. Ultimately, it underscores the need for interdisciplinary strategies to address misinformation's complex socio-political impacts.

Keywords

• Misinformation
• Policy Narrative Discourse Analysis (PNDA)
• Post-Truth Politics Digital Platforms
• US Elections

ABD 2024 BAŞKANLIK SEÇİMLERİNDE YANLIŞ BİLGİNİN HAYALETİ: BİR KAMU POLİTİKASI ANLATISI SÖYLEM ANALİZİ DENEMESİ

Abstract

Bu çalışma, 2024 ABD Başkanlık seçimleri sürecinde yanlış bilginin nasıl bir kamu politikası anlatısı olarak inşa edildiğini incelemektedir. Yanlış bilgi, yalnızca bilgi eksikliği ya da yanlış anlamadan ibaret değildir; demokratik süreçleri, toplumsal değerleri ve yurttaşlık kavrayışlarını etkileyen söylemsel bir mücadele alanıdır. Çalışmada, Kamu Politikası Anlatısı Söylem Analizi (PASA) yöntemi kullanılarak, Kriz, Hezeyan ve İki Tarafı Keskin Kılıç anlatıları çözümlenmiştir. Her bir anlatı, farklı normatif önceliklerle belirlenen değer setleri ve eylem çağrıları üretmektedir. Kriz Anlatısı, teknokratik müdahaleleri ve uzman bilgisini vurgularken; Hezeyan Anlatısı, ifade özgürlüğü ve bireysel hakları öncelemektedir. İki Tarafı Keskin Kılıç Anlatısı ise, teknolojik risk ve fırsatlar arasında denge kurma arayışındadır. Çalışma, yanlış bilginin söylemsel inşasının yalnızca bilgi politikalarıyla sınırlı kalmadığını; aynı zamanda demokratik normların ve toplumsal düzen tahayyüllerinin yeniden şekillendiği bir alan olduğunu göstermektedir.Çalışmanın temel bulguları arasında; demokrasiyi tehdit eden acil bir kriz olarak yanlış bilgi retoriğinin baskın olması, bununun karşısında etkisinin abartıldığı ve sistemik sorunlardan dikkati saptırabileceği görüşünü savunan şüphecilerin varlığı bulundurmaktadır. Çalışma, zararlı çerçeveleri yıkmak ve kapsayıcı bir kamusal söylem geliştirmek için PASA’nın dengeli anlatılar üretme potansiyeline dikkat çekmektedir. Sonuç olarak, yanlış bilgilendirmenin karmaşık sosyo-politik etkilerini ele almak için disiplinler arası stratejilere ihtiyaç olduğu vurgulanmaktadır.

Keywords

• Yanlış bilgi
• Kamu Politika Anlatısı Söylem Analizi (PASA
• Hakikat Sonrası Siyaset
• Dijital Platformlar
• ABD seçimleri

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