Abstract

This study analyzes the use of incivility in the news coverage of the return to Italy of volunteer Silvia Romano, converted to Islam during her abduction. This case is highly polarizing as it has brought out a threefold anti-Islamic, misogynistic, anti-voluntary humanitarianism sentiment in the public and political debate. Considering incivility as a strategic resource, the analysis aims to detect: 1. which news-frames and forms of uncivil discourse have been adopted by newspapers of different political orientations, 2. the effects of these choices on online audiences. Through a quali-quantitative and deductive analysis of 796 articles, Facebook posts, and related total interactions it emerged how right-wing partisan newspapers strategically use incivility to strengthen the bond with their community of readers. The volunteer becomes the target of sexist and discriminatory attacks related to her religious choices and personal life, through misleading information. Although only the partisan news outlets use incivility to gain visibility on social media, in the long run these dynamics of polluting public debate risk undermining the credibility of the information system for a wider segment of people