Social Media, Mass Media & Politics

As long as there has been media there has been an impact on politics. It all began with print media such as newspapers and pamphlets.

For instance, pamphlets were published and distributed before the American Revolution. One of the most famous was Common Sense by Thomas Paine, which helped spark the rebellion. 

So media impacting politics is not new. What is new is the scale and accessibility of media. We are exposed to social and mass media to the point that it’s hard to get away from it. We see it all: media bias, fake news, propaganda and even objective, honest journalism.

This constant barrage of media naturally has an impact on how we think and feel about the issues. Media can inspire a social movement, a revolution and the way we vote.

Go to the article or full report (PDF).