Political microtargeting: Towards a pragmatic approach

Peter Aagaard*, Selma Marthedal

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

It has become increasingly popular for scholars to investigate the technology of political, personal microtargeting (PMT). We review a sample of 62 research articles in the field of political PMT and argue that these studies can be grouped according to different orientations: an interpretative orientation, either expressing hopes for voter mobilisation or strong concerns for democracy and voter manipulation, or a descriptive orientation, viewing PMT as a supplement to the traditional elements of political campaigns. We argue that these two orientations must continuously be mixed thoughtfully in a pragmatic approach that addresses public concerns on highly empirical grounds to avoid technological myths.

Translated title of the contributionPolitisk mikro-targeting: På vej mod en pragmatisk tilgang
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternet Policy Review
Volume12
Issue number1
Number of pages22
ISSN2197-6775
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Political campaigns
  • Microtargeting
  • Social media
  • Data campaigning
  • Personal data protection

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