Security challenges of populism in the digital age: from political hyperreality to involuntary political consumption

The article examines the impact of digital technologies on populism and identifies the key mechanisms of its functioning in the digital environment. It explores the transformation of traditional political communication models under the influence of social media, algorithmic content distribution, and changes in citizens’ political perceptions. It is established that digital populism is based on amplified binary oppositions, discourse simplification, the gamification of political interaction, and algorithmic amplification of manipulative narratives, creating a favorable environment for its expansion. The concept of political hyperreality is analyzed as an adaptation of Jean Baudrillard’s ideas to the digital age. The study investigates how alternative political realities are constructed in the media space. The transformation of Paul Lazarsfeld’s two-step communication model into a model of mediated control is examined, illustrating how politicians, particularly populists, coordinate information campaigns through networks of influencers and digital opinion leaders. Particular attention is given to the phenomenon of political consumerism in the digital era, shaped by the politicized information space, and the role of contributorship in spreading populist narratives. It is determined that the low entry threshold for political engagement and algorithmic content selection contribute to societal polarization and the intensification of radical sentiments. The article identifies the main security challenges posed by digital populism, particularly the impact of truth decay, which leads to the erosion of fact-based discourse, the undermining of trust in democratic institutions, and the formation of an extremely polarized political landscape. Prospects for further research on digital populism are proposed, focusing on identifying mechanisms to counter manipulative technologies and developing strategies to preserve democratic discourse in the digital era.