Abstract: Populism has emerged as a key notion in understanding modern politics because of its versatility across ideologies and geographical areas. Digital populism represents a paradigm shift in politics, reshaping how politicians engage with and mobilize support. Although it democratizes political speech, it also brings up issues like polarization and a decline in institutional trust. Addressing the effects of digital populism on democratic processes requires a more sophisticated knowledge of the phenomenon. By analyzing its emergence, evolution, and distinction from traditional populism, this article explores the developing idea of digital populism. The object of the research is populism in digital environments, and the subject is its distinguishing traits and identification criteria.

Across the research a model of digital populism as a unique phenomenon that can be identified by its characteristics, modes of communication, and reliance on technology has been developed. The methodology consists of desk research, comparative analysis and case studies. The goal of the article is to explore and answer three main questions: What distinguishes digital populism from traditional populism, what characteristics set it apart from the latter, and what indicators point to its existence? The paper adds to the theoretical framework of digital populism by providing markers for recognizing it and implications for addressing the related issues. In order to balance the advantages and risks of digital populism in contemporary democratic debate, it emphasizes the necessity of more research into regulatory measures, digital literacy, and algorithmic transparency.

Keywords: populism, digital populism, social media, algorithms, echo chambers

Desislava Angelova, PhD Student, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski