First Monday

Authors Simone Driessen Erasmus University Rotterdam Abstract This paper explores the different narratives involved in and surrounding the cancellation of Dutch rapper Ali B, following charges of sexual assault and rape. It does so by drawing on a thematic analysis conducted on 171 articles in Dutch and Belgian media focusing on the court case following his cancellation.

Abstract This paper examines the convergence of platform-dependent comedy and political commentary through the lens of the “Rogansphere” and the 2024 re-election of Donald Trump. Situating the study within the framework of platformisation, I argue that podcasting comedians have transitioned from mere entertainers to “embedded skeptics” who navigate platformed personality capitalism (Rosamond, 2022).

This paper investigates the moral panic that emerged in Italy around the so-called maranza youth, focusing on the case of influencer Don Alì and his outlandish TikTok challenge to invade southern Italy. I examine how a digital provocation — initially designed for engagement and monetization — was reframed into a public order issue by traditional media and law enforcement.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to introduce the phrase ‘digital banter’ to describe a highly localised typology of English-language speech that acts to veil xenophobia, misogyny, and other forms of extremism.

Abstract This paper examines two binary oppositions that are commonly deployed by proponents of blockchains and other decentralised Web (DWeb) technologies: centralisation versus decentralisation and trust versus trustlessness. According to optimistic visions, DWeb technologies empower individuals to exchange resources on an unsupervised, peer-to-peer level. This reduces the need for “centralisation” and trusted intermediaries.

Abstract This introductory essay frames the special issue Despicable public personas: Dynamics of infamy in digital culture by examining how platformized and polarized media environments are reshaping the relationship between public condemnation, visibility, and fame.

Authors Guilherme Giolo Erasmus University Rotterdam Matteo Rinaldi Erasmus University Rotterdam Abstract This paper explores how reactionary gender ideologies are rendered palatable in everyday Internet culture. Focusing on the subreddit r/ThePassportBros (200,000+ members), we explore a growing online community of Western men who travel abroad in search of what they frame as more “traditional”, less “Westernized” women.

This paper investigates the rise of anti-mainstream figures in the Italian Telegramsphere and their role within Italy’s hybrid media system. It focuses on how claims of censorship and marginalization can coexist with substantial cross-platform visibility, including visibility on mainstream platforms. To address this paradox, we combined cross-platform mapping and qualitative analysis.

Authors Idil Galip University of Amsterdam Eleni Maragkou Universiteit Leiden Abstract Livestreaming platforms have become a dominant medium for extreme media personae, from manosphere agitators to gambling creators and far-right influencers. This paper asks why.

Authors Gabriele de Seta University of Bergen Abstract In December 2021, a video posted on social media platform Douyin featured an Asian man with a striking resemblance to Elon Musk. Introducing himself as Yilong Ma, the Chinese Elon Musk, the man quickly became a sensation across social media platforms.