Da televisão ao algoritmo: um estudo sobre os impactos da comunicação social na Guerra do Vietnã e no ambiente informacional contemporâneo durante o conflito Israel-Hamas, á luz da teoria do agenda-setting

Abstract

This research examines the influence of Social Communication in military operations, using the agenda-setting theory as its analytical foundation. Through a comparative analysis of the Vietnam War (1960-1975) and the Israel-Hamas conflict (2023), the study seeks to understand the ongoing relevance and applicability of this theory in contrasting historical and technological contexts. Throughout the work, it becomes evident how digital media transformations have profoundly reshaped the informational environment, making the circulation of messages more accessible and broadening the reach of competing narratives. The analysis of the Vietnam War highlights the unprecedented role of television broadcasts in shaping public opinion, directly affecting both governmental support and policy decisions. In contrast, the Israel-Hamas conflict presents an even more dynamic scenario, marked by a rapid contest of narratives across multiple digital channels, where the speed of information dissemination becomes a strategic tool. The findings demonstrate that agenda-setting theory remains pertinent, as it reveals how the media establishes thematic priorities and steers the focus of public debate, thereby shaping collective perceptions of legitimacy and the conduct of military actions. It is also emphasized that public opinion, in these contexts, may serve as both a challenge and a strategic asset for states, demanding increasingly attentive communication management from military institutions. In summary, the construction of legitimacy and the consolidation of public support continue to depend on the capacity to coordinate narratives and engage society effectively, granting social communication a central role in contemporary military operations.