Open this publication in new window or tab >>
2023 (English) In: Language & Communication, ISSN 0271-5309, E-ISSN 1873-3395, Vol. 93, p. 172-187Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en] This study investigates the interplay between morality, impoliteness, and moral order in the online harassment of Swedish journalists on Twitter. It reveals how impoliteness serves as a tool to harm the media's epistemic credibility, rooted in anti-press and populist rhetoric, and exert destructive informal social control. The highlighted paradox is that provisions for freedom of speech, designed to protect, are paradoxically used to suppress journalists' voices through targeted insults and derogatory language. The study uncovers that such harassment is systematic, politically motivated, and morally grounded. We emphasize the urgent need to recognize and confront these subtle tactics that threaten journalistic freedom and, consequently, access to information in Sweden and internationally under growing criticism that seeks to delegitimize the media. © 2023 The Author(s).
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Oxford: Elsevier, 2023
Keywords Impoliteness, Morality, Online harassment, Social control, Twitter, Anti-press, Journalism
National Category
Languages and Literature
Identifiers urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-52055 (URN) 10.1016/j.langcom.2023.11.002 (DOI) 001148626000001 () 2-s2.0-85178888361 (Scopus ID)
Funder The Swedish Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
2023-11-172023-11-172024-02-28 Bibliographically approved