7.4 The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Social media has revolutionized political discourse, enabling rapid information spread and new forms of engagement. However, it's also fueled misinformation, , and polarization, challenging traditional political communication.
Digital strategies now dominate campaigns, with targeted ads and influencer partnerships reaching voters in novel ways. While this increases engagement, it raises concerns about transparency and the potential manipulation of public opinion.
Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation
Proliferation of False Information on Social Media Platforms
Top images from around the web for Proliferation of False Information on Social Media Platforms
Information Disorder, Truth, and Trust – Introduction to College Research View original
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Infographic: Social Media in the News – Tech Trends – Medium View original
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Research summary: Troops, Trolls and Troublemakers: A Global Inventory of Organized Social Media ... View original
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Information Disorder, Truth, and Trust – Introduction to College Research View original
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Infographic: Social Media in the News – Tech Trends – Medium View original
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Top images from around the web for Proliferation of False Information on Social Media Platforms
Information Disorder, Truth, and Trust – Introduction to College Research View original
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Infographic: Social Media in the News – Tech Trends – Medium View original
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Research summary: Troops, Trolls and Troublemakers: A Global Inventory of Organized Social Media ... View original
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Information Disorder, Truth, and Trust – Introduction to College Research View original
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Infographic: Social Media in the News – Tech Trends – Medium View original
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- Social media has enabled the rapid spread of , false or misleading information presented as legitimate news
- Disinformation involves the deliberate creation and sharing of false information with the intent to deceive or manipulate public opinion (Russian interference in 2016 US elections)
- Misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false or inaccurate information, often due to lack of fact-checking or verification before sharing
- Social media platforms struggle to effectively combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation, as content can go viral quickly before being flagged or removed
Automated Accounts and Algorithmic Amplification of False Information
- Bots, automated social media accounts, can be used to amplify the spread of misinformation and disinformation by repeatedly sharing and engaging with false content
- Trolls, individuals who deliberately provoke and antagonize others online, often contribute to the spread of false information and polarization of political discourse
- Algorithmic bias in social media platforms' content recommendation systems can inadvertently amplify false information by prioritizing engaging or controversial content, creating echo chambers where users are exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs (YouTube recommending conspiracy theory videos)
Social Media Activism and Engagement
Viral Content and Hashtag Activism
- Social media enables content to quickly go viral, spreading rapidly across networks and reaching a large audience
- involves the use of hashtags to raise awareness and mobilize support for social and political causes (#MeToo movement, #BlackLivesMatter)
- Political memes, humorous or satirical images or videos with political themes, can quickly spread on social media and shape public perception of political issues and candidates
Online Political Engagement and Echo Chambers
- Social media has increased opportunities for online political engagement, such as sharing political content, participating in online discussions, and joining virtual political communities
- However, social media can also create bubbles or echo chambers where users are primarily exposed to information and opinions that align with their existing beliefs, leading to increased polarization and decreased exposure to diverse perspectives (Facebook users seeing mostly liberal or conservative content based on their friend networks and engagement patterns)
Digital Political Strategies
Digital Campaigning and Influencer Politics
- Political campaigns increasingly rely on digital strategies to reach and engage voters, such as targeted advertising, social media outreach, and data-driven voter mobilization efforts (Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns, Trump's 2016 campaign)
- Influencer politics involves partnering with social media influencers, individuals with large online followings, to promote political candidates or causes to their audiences
- Political campaigns use influencer marketing strategies to reach younger voters and generate organic, user-generated content in support of their candidates (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's use of Instagram Stories to connect with constituents)
- However, the use of influencers in politics raises concerns about transparency, as influencer endorsements may not always be disclosed as paid partnerships or campaign affiliations
Key Terms to Review (18)
Agenda-setting theory: Agenda-setting theory posits that the media has the power to influence the importance placed on topics in public discourse. By selectively covering certain issues and downplaying others, the media shapes what audiences consider significant, thereby impacting public opinion and priorities.
Civic engagement: Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals in the political, social, and community life of their society. This concept encompasses a wide range of activities such as voting, volunteering, attending town hall meetings, and engaging in public discourse. Civic engagement is essential for a functioning democracy, as it fosters informed citizenship and encourages individuals to contribute to societal well-being.
Digital citizenship: Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology and the internet, encompassing a range of behaviors and skills necessary for navigating the digital world. This concept includes understanding how to engage positively in online communities, protect one's personal information, and respect the rights of others in digital spaces. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, digital literacy, and active participation in promoting a safe and inclusive online environment.
Disinformation campaigns: Disinformation campaigns are coordinated efforts to spread false or misleading information with the intent to deceive and manipulate public perception. These campaigns often utilize social media and other digital platforms to reach wide audiences quickly, influencing political discourse and shaping public opinion. They can undermine trust in institutions, create social division, and alter the way people engage with crucial societal issues.
Echo Chambers: Echo chambers refer to environments where individuals are exposed primarily to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs, often leading to a distorted perception of reality. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in digital media, where algorithms and social media platforms can create isolated spaces that amplify specific viewpoints while minimizing exposure to opposing perspectives.
Fake news: Fake news refers to misinformation or disinformation presented as legitimate news, often with the intent to mislead, manipulate, or generate profit. It has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, where social media platforms enable rapid dissemination of false information that can significantly influence public perception and political discourse.
Filter Bubbles: Filter bubbles are a phenomenon that occurs when algorithms selectively guess what information a user would like to see based on their previous online behavior, limiting their exposure to diverse viewpoints and reinforcing their existing beliefs. This can create an echo chamber effect where users are less likely to encounter conflicting information or opinions.
Framing Theory: Framing theory explains how the way information is presented can influence audience perception and interpretation of that information. It emphasizes that media doesn’t just transmit facts but shapes understanding by highlighting certain aspects over others, thereby impacting opinions and behaviors.
Hashtag activism: Hashtag activism refers to the use of social media platforms and specific hashtags to promote social and political causes, mobilize supporters, and raise awareness about various issues. This form of activism allows individuals and groups to share information, express solidarity, and organize campaigns in a way that can quickly reach a global audience, making it a powerful tool for modern advocacy.
Jürgen Habermas: Jürgen Habermas is a German philosopher and sociologist known for his theories on the public sphere and communicative action. His work emphasizes the importance of rational discourse in democratic societies, particularly how individuals can come together to form opinions and influence political decisions through communication. Habermas's ideas are highly relevant in understanding the changes in political discourse brought about by social media, as they explore how public opinion is shaped and articulated in digital contexts.
Marshall McLuhan: Marshall McLuhan was a Canadian philosopher and media theorist known for his work on the effects of media on human perception and society. He famously coined the phrases 'the medium is the message' and 'the global village,' emphasizing how the form of communication influences human interactions and societal structures. His insights are particularly relevant in understanding how social media reshapes political discourse and public engagement today.
Media Literacy: Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about the media they consume. This skill is vital for understanding the influence of media on public opinion, societal norms, and individual behavior, as well as recognizing biases and stereotypes in media messages.
Net Neutrality: Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all data on the internet equally, without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, platform, application, or method of communication. This principle ensures that users can access any lawful content and applications without interference from ISPs, which has significant implications for the flow of information and discourse online.
Online mobilization: Online mobilization refers to the use of digital platforms and social media to organize, engage, and rally support for political actions, campaigns, or movements. It has transformed the way people connect and communicate, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and the ability to mobilize large groups of individuals for various causes, significantly influencing political discourse and participation.
Participatory Culture: Participatory culture refers to a culture in which individuals actively engage, create, and share content, rather than just consuming it. This phenomenon encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas among participants, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. It often thrives in digital spaces, where social media and technology allow for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, influencing areas such as political discourse and educational initiatives.
Public sphere: The public sphere is a social space where individuals can come together to discuss and debate matters of common interest, influencing political discourse and public opinion. This concept emphasizes the role of communication in democracy, where citizens engage with each other and with political institutions. It is crucial for fostering civic engagement and accountability in society.
Social media governance: Social media governance refers to the frameworks, policies, and practices that guide the use and management of social media platforms by individuals, organizations, and governments. This term encompasses regulations and guidelines that aim to ensure responsible usage, protect users' rights, and mitigate harmful effects while promoting transparency and accountability in online interactions.
Viral content: Viral content refers to any piece of media, such as a video, image, article, or social media post, that gains rapid popularity and is shared extensively across digital platforms. This phenomenon often occurs due to emotional appeal, humor, or relatability, leading to widespread engagement and discussion among users, which can significantly influence social interactions and opinions on various subjects.