Memes and citizen reactions in political campaigns in Peru (2016) and Bolivia (2019)

Authors

  • Carlos Gonzales García Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
  • Janeth Villegas-Arteaga Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos

Abstract

This research focuses on the analysis of memes used in the electoral campaigns of Peru (2016) and Bolivia (2019) on Facebook in order to identify their characteristics and the most notable reactions. In this regard, a total of 80 memes, which were used during these campaigns, were analysed and a survey was applied to 300 citizens between the ages of 18 and 45. According to the results, the categories studied highlighted the candidates' prestige/disrepute, political quality from the point of view of figures and parties, the shortcomings of the candidates' messages, the candidates' identification with their country's culture, and their intellectual capacity. In both countries, it is the youngest and least educated segment of the population that attaches the greatest importance to memes as a political strategy.

Keywords:

political memes, electoral campaigns, political communication, Perú, Bolivia

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