Multi-platform research in the light of technology affordances: networks of the far right in Germany

Abstract

This study investigates the varying structures of German far-right networks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Network analyses reveal platform-specific structures and dynamics. Twitter hosts the largest, rather loosely connected network, facilitating rapid content dissemination. Telegram is characterized by inward-focused communication with high clustering and overlapping communities. Facebook displays a hierarchical structure dominated by the far-right party AfD, emphasizing regional connections. YouTube’s network links disparate genres but shows limited connectivity. Instagram features high reciprocity and clustering, indicating distinct, tightly connected communities. This research highlights how connectivity, replicability, and scalability affordances translate into unique network patterns of far-right actors on the platforms.