access to info Flashcards
point
Social media has changed the way people engage with politics by making it easier to access political information and find out about different viewpoints.
explain
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.
example
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.
analysis
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.
rebuttal point
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.
rebuttal explain for algorithm
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
rebuttal analysis for algorithms
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.
rebuttal explain for misinfo
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.
rebuttal example 1
rebuttal example 2
Similarly, SOURCE X states that false political news on X spreads six times faster than true information.Similarly, SOURCE A states that false political news on X spreads six times faster than true information.
rebuttal analysis
This can potentially influence social media users beliefs about candidates, choices and actions such as voting or movement participation by having a false sense of understanding.
conclusion
Overall, social media has made it easier for people to access political information and engage directly with politicians, which can increase political awareness. However, the spread of misinformation and the formation of echo chambers can limit people’s understanding and make it harder to make informed decisions, so while social media helps with engagement, it also has risks that can affect political awareness which threatens the legitimacy of the political engagement.
