Access to info

Question 1

Point

Answer 1

Social media has changed the way people engage with politics by making it easier to access political information and find out about different viewpoints.

Question 2

Explain (1)

Answer 2

Unlike traditional media, where content is filtered through editors, social media lets political parties, leaders, and activists speak directly to their audiences to share campaign updates, policy proposals, and real-time responses to current events.

Question 3

Example (1)

Answer 3

For example, during the 2020 U.S election, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump used social media platforms to inform voters of their views. Joe Biden used Instagram in his campaign to share his policy plans such as his healthcare plans regarding the Affordable Care Act. In addition, Donald trump used his X platform to also promote his policies, and additionally used his platform to criticise his opponents, and provide real-time reactions to political events.

Question 4

Analysis (1)

Answer 4

This unfiltered and direct form of communcation allows the public to stay in informed on real time updates and gives them a clearer picture of where political candidates stand on key issues. This increases political engagement because it helps the public to form their own opinions about politcians in relation to their own beliefs and interests.

Question 5

Rebuttal

Answer 5

However, social media can also make users vulnerable to misinformation and echo chambers, which is where people only see content that matches their existing beliefs.

Question 6

Explain (2)

Answer 6

Algorithms exist on most social media platforms, this is a system set up to keep users engaged on the platofrm by filtering content and prioritsing posts based on the information its gathered on the individuals current interests and beliefs.

Question 7

Analysis (2)

Answer 7

This allows users to find our further information about viewpoints they can relate to by reinforcing the viewpoint, but it can cause an echo chamber because it limits access to opposing viewpoints which creates the risk of users not being able to develop a clear understanding of opposing viewpoints.

Question 8

Explain (3)

Answer 8

In addition to echo chambers, false information also increases the risk of not gaining true and full access to political information and viewpoints by manipulating users to believe and act on inaccurate information.

Question 9

Example (2)

Question 10

Analysis (3)