The Impact of War and Combat-related Language Use in Election Reporting on Voters’ Perceptions.

This study examines the usage and impacts of war and combat-related language in election reporting and its interaction with voters’ perceptions. Specifically, it investigates how media language in election coverage not only conveys information but also significantly influences voters’ perceptions and behavior. By analyzing 677 news headlines during the 2024 Korean National Assembly Election period, this study identifies the frequency and context in which war-related terms such as ‘attack’, ‘defense’, ‘battle’, and ‘victory’ were used. According to the study results, ‘battleground’ was the most frequently used war and combat-related term. The analysis reveals how frequently these terms are used and in what contexts, providing insight into their rhetorical impact. The study also includes a survey of 214 voters, representative of different age groups and demographics, assessing how this language affects their political perceptions and actions. The results indicate that war-related language in election reporting intensifies emotional responses and can amplify political engagement. However, it also risks degrading the quality of political discourse and fostering social conflict. These findings underscore the need for mindful media language use to promote constructive political communication and mitigate negative societal impacts.