University of Twente Student Theses
Mapping the Misinformation : Understanding the Origins, Evolution, and Media Reporting of 2020 US Election Conspiracy Theories
Lücking, H. (2025) Mapping the Misinformation : Understanding the Origins, Evolution, and Media Reporting of 2020 US Election Conspiracy Theories.
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| Abstract: | The 2020 US election conspiracy theories were not only polarizing at the time, but have also had a lasting impact on current and future political and societal discourse, fueled by the media. By reconstructing a timeline and creating an overview of the main proponents and their arguments, this study aims to understand the origins and evolution of 2020 US election conspiracy theories. A comparison of media framing will highlight the importance of responsible reporting to combat misinformation. A content analysis of news articles was employed to identify and interpret the claims and their supporting and opposing arguments, main proponents, as well as legal decisions about the 2020 US election fraud claims. A coding scheme was applied in Atlas.ti, providing insights to construct a timeline and an overview, and also compare the media’s reporting. Donald Trump’s premature victory claim evolved into 2020 US election conspiracy theories, persisting despite lacking evidence. Dismissed legal charges and narratives fueled by the media led to Republican efforts to turn over the election results. While Fox News initially amplified election fraud claims, CNN and MSNBC debunked them, highlighting media framing, and contributing to the spread and resilience of 2020 US election fraud narratives. The persistence of false claims highlights the interplay between populism, political polarization and media influence in the context of political misinformation. Findings underscore the media’s role in reinforcing false narratives, emphasizing their responsibility for transparency to protect democracy and political integrity. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Science MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105425 |
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