Echoes of Dissent: Sentiment Analysis of Messages in German/Austrian Telegram Groups Against COVID-19 Measures

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital platforms have become pivotal in facilitating protest movements against containment measures, with the "Querdenken'' movement in Germany and the "Fairdenken" movement in Austria epitomizing this trend. These movements leverage Telegram to evade mainstream media censorship, creating spaces rich in dissent and mobilization. Our study employs sentiment analysis to scrutinize a comprehensive dataset of Telegram messages, aiming to dissect the thematic and emotional nuances of the discourse within these digital protests. This methodological approach allows us to uncover prevailing sentiments, misinformation trends, anti-establishment sentiments, and the broader socio-political ideologies shaping public discourse. Conducted during a crucial phase of the pandemic, our analysis offers deep insights into the role of digital platforms in influencing public opinion, trust in government, and collective behavioral responses. The findings highlight the critical need for policymakers and public health officials to navigate digital spaces effectively, ensuring the management of public health messaging and societal trust amidst crises.