Did You Hear? Rumour Communication via Instant Messaging Apps and Its Impact on Affective Polarisation

Abstract

A growing body of research has sought to uncover how specific characteristics of digital platforms influence partisan affect. Yet few of these studies have focused on closed communication platforms such as mobile instant messaging services (MIMS). As these platforms provide a more intimate environment for users to interact with one another, they may facilitate the spread of political rumours with ease which in turn exacerbates affective polarisation between partisans. Therefore, a comparative analysis of mobile instant messengers (i.e., WhatsApp) and social media (i.e., Facebook) use was conducted through an online survey in Hong Kong (N = 1,584) to gauge how rumour communication on these platforms impacts affective polarisation. This study found that engaging in political rumour communication on closed and private networks, such as WhatsApp, exacerbated affective polarisation across partisan lines, albeit not equally among users. For example, unlike Facebook, the sharing of rumours on WhatsApp uniquely contributes to the heightening of negative feelings towards political opponents; however, this effect was significantly stronger for supporters of the political establishment in Hong Kong.