This special issue invites submissions that examine the processes of political persuasion in today’s hybrid media landscape. Topics may include political discourse in general and its impact on attitude and behaviour change, reinforcement of pre-existing beliefs, and political polarization. Submissions should emphasize communication processes, whether occurring through media channels or face-to-face. As all forms of political communication contain persuasive elements, we also welcome articles on new-media phenomena, electoral communication, political campaigns, and political participation. Of particular interest are studies on the role of social media, AI, and algorithmic selection and dissemination of political information. Articles should therefore focus on, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Social media and political influence
- AI, algorithms, and political persuasion
- Media-enabled disinformation and misinformation in the political realm
- Media use, (mis)perceptions, and political participation
- Political participation and the hybrid media environment
- Mediated and interpersonal political influence: the role of weak and strong ties
- Uncivil online interactions and other drivers of political polarization
