Media’s influence on politics Communications & Media Research Paper

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course number
Date
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?
Research hypotheses
* Political media has many negative influences on American politics.
* Fake news and propaganda cause a shift in the political paradigms of the Americans.
* Political leaders attack mass media through social networks to gain popularity and win more followers.
* The political credibility of American media has decreased by 30%.
* Opinion polls can alter the results of an election.
Literature review
The American political arena has undergone massive transformation since the last two decades. These overwhelming changes are due to the increased popularity of the use of the internet in the United States. Currently, the media, especially social networks, is a significant component in accessing public opinion and political campaigns. Radio and television are still effective in campaigning. Political leaders and their supporter are constantly posting their political views on Twitter and Facebook. During political interviews on radio and television, hashtags are used to hold discussions, ask questions and criticize each other on social platforms. The American society believes in the freedom of expression and therefore everybody takes advantage of it.
The internet has changed the speed at which information is being relayed. In the past, Americans had to wait for television shows, radio broadcast and the next newspaper to get information regarding politics. In the age of internet and social networks information is relayed faster. Political news, propaganda and poll results can be shared all over the United States with minutes (Kerbel 16). Besides, information is published online through blogs and social media posts which can be accessed at any time without any expenses. Traditional mass media houses also have websites, YouTube channels Twitter and Facebook pages. They back newspapers, television and radio with the social networks to allow integration, active discussion and access to public opinion. Because the majority of Americans spend more time in the social networks than any other political websites, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have become a popular source of political news (Levendusky & Malhotra 285). Thi...