O TENSIONAMENTO NO CONSUMO DE NOTÍCIAS: CRENÇAS RELIGIOSAS, POLÍTICAS E DESINFORMAÇÃO ENTRE FIÉIS DA ASSEMBLEIA DE DEUS EM IMPERATRIZ (MA)

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the process of searching, evaluating, and interpreting news by members of the Assembleia de Deus (Assembly of God) in Imperatriz, Maranhão, the largest Pentecostal evangelical denomination in the municipality and the country. Twenty-five interviews were conducted in six congregations across the city, covering different age groups: youth (18-29 years), adults (30-64 years), and elderly (65+ years). The semi-structured interviews were organized into three sections: the first explored individuals' relationship with the church and its representatives; the second examined media consumption practices and the selection of communication channels; and the third asked participants to read and comment on a false rumor spread by evangelical federal congressman Nikolas Ferreira, concerning the death of gospel singer Pedro Henrique and COVID-19 vaccines. Theoretically, the study is based on literature concerning Pentecostal culture and its interaction with politics, Bolsonaroism, electronic media, and the COVID-19 pandemic (Alencar, 2019; Guerreiro; Almeida, 2021; Prandi; Santos; Bonato, 2019; Novaes, 2001; Vital da Cunha, 2023). It also addresses factors contributing to the belief in fake news, religious preferences in media selection, scientific misinformation on social media, and the hostile perception of journalism (Bryanov; Vziatysheva, 2021; Gomes, 2016; Mundim, 2015; Oliveira, 2020). Methodologically, Gibbs' (2009) thematic analysis technique was used to identify and interpret recurring themes in the interviews. The results indicate a clear divide in media consumption among the believers: a considerable group consumes both right-wing partisan outlets and traditional media, while another group, predominantly female, shows disinterest in journalism. Furthermore, the analysis revealed differing stances on COVID-19 vaccines: 12 participants accepted the rumor about the vaccines, 9 remained neutral, and 4 rejected the rumor, indicating the plurality of opinions on the subject. Finally, a culture of protection for religious leaders, such as Nikolas Ferreira, was observed, where believers, even when partially disagreeing with their statements, tend to soften or defend their remarks as a form of loyalty or idolatry.