Introduction

This book contributes conceptually and methodologically to understanding two primary phenomena: the contextual and spatial elements that explain citizens’ anger, frustration, and sense of abandonment, and the role of digital platforms in including politically marginalized areas. It aims to transition from the geography of voting to the geography of discontent, reinterpreting digital inequalities by integrating the territorial context. The study faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing “left-behind” places. While trajectories of decline and deindustrialization apply to developed countries, they do not necessarily translate to other contexts. In developing countries, abandonment responds to different political and cultural phenomena. This book addresses these complexities while acknowledging the limitations and possibilities for further research. Focusing on the Valparaíso region in Chile, this book applies its proposed framework and methodology. Chile offers an intriguing context with its strong party system, solid institutions, and high Internet penetration, which has influenced civic engagement. Recently, Chile has faced a significant political crisis marked by widespread dissatisfaction and perceived lack of representativeness. The data used pertains specifically to Valparaíso, which, while representative of national realities, also possesses unique characteristics, such as hosting the National Congress and being a focal point of the 2019 social uprising.