Anti-vaccination and COVID-19 scepticism on Greek-speaking social media: A form of far-right propaganda

Summary

This study delves into the COVID-19 vaccination debate on Greek-speaking social media platforms, set against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. It focuses on how digital spaces have become arenas for counter-hegemonic discourses. The research employs quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze content from Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, identifying user groups engaged in anti-vaccination or vaccine-sceptic rhetoric. While direct socio-economic data on the participants is not accessible, the analysis of discourse offers insights into the underlying class structures influencing vaccination opinions. Additionally, the study examines unique ideological blends in Greek society, encompassing far-right nationalism, religiosity, and anti-scientism. These elements fuel vaccine hesitancy and are exploited by various actors for political, ideological, or financial gains. The research explores how social class affiliations and ideological factors shape public attitudes towards vaccination in Greece, contributing to the broader understanding of how digital public spheres reflect and mediate socio-political tensions in times of crisis.