Journal of Current Social and Political Issues
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Current Social and Political Issue

“I’m not gonna answer that”: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Hawley-Zuckerberg Debate

Rahman, Fadhlur (Unknown)
Nuzulia, Rahma (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Dec 2025

Abstract

The widespread use of social media has had a significant impact on digital power dynamics and accountability. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has frequently faced criticism for its social responsibility in addressing the detrimental effects of its platforms. Arguments between Senator Josh Hawley and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a US congressional hearing exemplified this tension. This study employs a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach based on Norman Fairclough's model, which has three main dimensions: text analysis, discursive practice analysis, and social practice analysis. This analysis demonstrates how Senator Josh Hawley and Mark Zuckerberg's debate at a US congressional hearing highlighted the tension between technological innovation and Meta-corporate social responsibility. Also, it emphasizes how Zuckerberg's apology lacked concrete steps in response to this issue, as he did not mention compensation for victims or major changes to the platform's algorithm. Hawley utilized hostile speech (aggressive or antagonistic, frequently with the intention of eliciting a negative response) to pressure Zuckerberg to admit Meta's failure to protect users. Ina contrary, Zuckerberg preferred defensive language (respond defensively, frequently in a manner that prevents open dialogue or hinders understanding) to project a positive picture of the corporation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jcspi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

The "Journal of Current Social and Political Issues" (ISSN: 3026-4871) is a reputable academic journal published by the Department of Public Administration at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung. Serving as a crucial ...