Affective Polarization in the U.S

Affective polarization is a phenomenon that has invaded the political arena empowered by social networks. In this chapter, the authors analyze the Capitol riot posts on Twitter. To achieve this, the authors use affective computing introducing the multi-emotional charge combined with statistical analysis based on the t-student test and Welch's t-test. The research questions guiding this study are: How do social media platforms' messages impact on inciting? Do social media platforms' messages with negative emotional charge affect legitimizing of the Capitol protest? Findings identify the significant influence of Donald Trump on Twitter during the Capitol riot. Moreover, data analysis identifies positive and negative emotions towards Donald Trump as well as similarities in the showed emotions of Trump and the audience.