[#43] Finding hidden swing voters in the Twitter discourse & Impostor syndrome and your PhD as a marathon

The global proliferation of social media platforms has transformed political communication, making the study of online interactions between politicians and voters crucial for understanding contemporary political discourse. In this talk, I will examine the dynamics of political messaging and voter behavior on Twitter during the 2022 Italian general elections. Specifically, I will focus on voters who changed their political preferences over time (swing voters), identifying significant patterns of migration and susceptibility to propaganda messages. Findings reveals that during election periods, the popularity of politicians increases, and there is a notable variation in the use of persuasive language techniques, including doubt, loaded language, appeals to values, and slogans. Swing voters are more vulnerable to these propaganda techniques compared to non-swing voters, with differences in vulnerability patterns across various types of political shifts.

Let’s be honest—impostor syndrome is practically a rite of passage in academia. Whether it’s comparing yourself to the “genius” next door or doubting whether you’ll ever live up to your own expectations, feeling like a fraud is incredibly common. But here’s the thing: your PhD isn’t about being perfect, nor is it about competing with others. It’s a test of endurance, a challenge with yourself. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. There will be uphill battles, unexpected detours, setbacks that feel like you’re moving backward, and moments when the finish line seems impossibly far away. And that’s okay! The goal isn’t to outpace everyone else—it’s to find your own rhythm and grow as a scholar along the journey. Easier said than done, right? I’ve felt that too, many times. In this discussion, I’ll share my ongoing journey of embracing the marathon mindset to overcome self-doubt, avoid burnout, and rediscover the joy in learning. Spoiler: You do belong here, even if your brain tries to tell you otherwise.