Media’s influence on politics Communications & Media Research Paper

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Impacts of Media on American Politics
Introduction
The American political media has changed significantly over the past two decades than in the last fifty years combined. Political media refers to any form of intercommunication or connection that promotes the creation, dissemination and sharing of political content. Politics have been changed by the rise of social networks and the widespread internet use. These networks also allow interaction and formation of political groups. Unlike traditional media, the new media has altered public opinion and perceptions about American politics. Traditional mass media like newspapers, radio and television broadcasting has been backed up by online live streaming services, videos, podcasts, webinars and digital newspapers and blogs accessed through the internet. Access to information is now easier than before. The new forms of media have a variety of implications in political practices, democracy and governance (Allcott et al.218). They have changed how politicians communicate with their followers and how the Federal institutions are run. The roles of journalists have also been changed.
Statement of the Problem
The rise of social media has transformed how political content is created, disseminated and shared. The ease of access to information has shaped public opinion and American politics. As a result, political polarization has escalated thereby dividing the American society into the Democrats and the Republicans. The rift between these political parties has continued to widen. This has sometimes has led to hostilities and violence against minority groups in the United States.
Purpose of the Study
This study intends to establish how media shapes public opinion of American society. It also identifies the impact of opinion polls, fake news and propaganda on political ideologies of voters. Besides, it examines the political credibility of media in America and the strategies that can be used to restore media credibility related problems.
Research Objectives
1 To determine the impact of media, especially social networks, on public opinion and American politics.
2 To identify how politicians use social media to communicate their political ideologies.
3 To establish the impact of opinion polls on the perception of politicians and voters.
4 To determine how the members of the public share news and opinions using social media and the internet.
5 To examine the effects of fake news and propaganda influences the political alignment of the Americans.
6 To identify the strategies that can be used to restore the political credibility of the American media.
Research Questions
* What are the impacts of media, especially social networks, on public opinion and American politics?
* What are the strategies used by politicians on social media to communicate their political ideologies?
* How do opinion polls impact the perception of politicians and voters?
* What are the effects of fake news and propaganda influences the political alignment of the Americans?
* What are the strategies that can be used to restore the political credibility of the American media?
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