Violencia política online en adultos jóvenes de Quito durante 2023

Abstract

Throughout time, political violence has been a present phenomenon, although in the digital age it has undergone significant transformations due to online political participation. The purpose of this study was to describe the online political violence experienced by young activists in the city of Quito during the year 2023. To obtain the purpose of this work, a rigorous scientific process characterized by qualitative research was used, with descriptive scope. The interview applied to a sample of six young adults, active participation in digital platforms and who are members of an organization or group, was used as a technique. As a result, it was found that, thanks to access to social networks and other digital platforms, the public and direct expression of political opinions has been facilitated. However, this evolution has also brought with it an increase in political violence, since discrepancies in ideas can generate confrontations and verbal attacks in the virtual environment. Among the most significant consequences from the psychological context is the appearance of affectations in the mental health of the subjects and in the emotional balance, manifestations of anxiety and fear. However, both individual and collective strategies have emerged, such as the case of educational action to promote respect and tolerance, as well as the creation of codes of conduct in virtual interaction spaces.