Platforms, neoliberalism and bot activism

The legislature and society in the wake of disinformation

Authors

  • Adriana Braga Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0307-3470 (unauthenticated)
  • Claudia Montenegro Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4399-4247 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-58442023130pt

Keywords:

Platform, Neoliberalism, Activism, Misinformation, Elections 2022

Abstract

The structure and agency of digital platforms, especially social networks and messaging services, are essential media content distributors in democratic societies. We examine the evolution of the web, highlighting questions about transparency and the use of personal data by technology giants. We offer a critical perspective on the business model of these platforms, exploring conflicts of interest, public values, and everyday goods, as well as the impact on the spread of misinformation. We carried out a survey that reveals the deliberate use of disinformation on social networks and messaging services as a political weapon in the 2022 presidential elections. We also point out the legal resources used in the fight against it.

Author Biographies

  • Adriana Braga, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil

    Associate Professor at the Department of Social Communication at PUC-Rio. Senior Postdoctoral Fellow (PDS/CNPq) and Scientist of Our State (CNE/FAPERJ). Graduated in Psychology, Master and PhD in Communication Sciences. Author of the books Personas Materno-Eletrônicas (Sulina, 2008), Introduction to Media Ecology (Loyola, 2019), and AI and the Singularity: a fallacy or a great opportunity (MDPI Information, Switzerland, 2020), among others. President of the Media Ecology Association (2019-2023). Coordinator of the Digital Interactions Research Group (GrID – PUC-Rio).

  • Claudia Montenegro, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil

    PhD student in Social Communication at PUC-Rio (CAPES scholarship holder) focusing on Journalism, Internet, and Society. Master in Communication PUC-Rio (Capes Scholarship). Holds a degree in Social Sciences, Journalism, and an MBA in Marketing. Member of the Digital Interactions Research Group - GRID/CNPq. Professor at MBA in Cultural Management, in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Cultural Management | ABGC and Candido Mendes University.

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Published

2023-12-13

Issue

Vol. 46 (2023)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Adriana Braga, Claudia Montenegro

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How to Cite

Platforms, neoliberalism and bot activism: The legislature and society in the wake of disinformation. Intercom - Brazilian Journal of Communication Sciences, São Paulo, v. 46, p. e2023130, 2023. DOI: 10.1590/1809-58442023130pt. Disponível em: https://revistas.intercom.org.br/index.php/revistaintercom/article/view/4625. Acesso em: 25 nov. 2025.