The Influence Of Mass Media

In our day and age, mass media have become such a large aspect of our lives. The world is dominated by mass communications; it shows that the media is a large part of determining political agenda. The current generation relies on their mobile devices and internet to keep up to date with what is going on throughout the world and their life. It has become easier to keep up to date with current events, especially with the United States Presidential election. The media has a tremendous influence on politics that aid to shape the public’s opinion. To obtain information and assistance in developing an opinion in the election, voters rely on mass media to deliver knowledge about the race. There are a handful of media outlets that people can collect

All forms of media are used by the public to express and create opinions, engage in politics, and contact leaders such as the presidential candidates. One way Americans can stay connected to political events is because of social media. In chapter eight of the American Government and Politics in the Information Age, the authors discuss participation and voting in the information age. In this chapter, it states “people also can actively take part in politics through media” (Paletz et al.). Having resources such as internet chat rooms and television and radio call-in shows creates a space for Americans to express thoughts or opinions on a certain political discussion. The problems with the media reporting on politics are the bias and stereotypes that accompany the discussion.

The media use stereotypes in their campaign reporting to characterize groups of voters. Media attention focused on the “angry voter” for almost two decades, beginning in the 1980s (Paletz et

Without social media, people would not be as passionate about who they think would make a better President of the United States. The political process now relies on news channels, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to boost participation in the youth vote. “In the U.S., 53% of people 18-24 have a smartphone and 56% of all Americans have a social media account, making it a key way to influence young voters” (Williams). Reaching out through social media could and has catch the attention of youth voters across the United States. The relevance of the youth vote is because voters between the age of 18 and 24 are the future leaders of our society and the involvement in elections helps create new outcomes and voices to be