Final Essay Review

Question 1

What are the key reasons trust in mainstream media has declined in recent decades, and what are the implications for democracy?

Answer 1

• horse race journalism
• high choice media, fairness doctrine, and increase in opinion talk shows -> increase in polarization,
• ↑ Soft news rather than ↓ hard news

Question 2

That factors contribute to the appeal of conspiracy theories?

Answer 2

The (Young) C’s: Control, Comprehension, Community

Question 3

Does media trust matter for democracy, or can citizens make informed decisions despite skepticism?

Answer 3

• Mistrust might be a consequence of journalists are doing their jobs
• Mistrust might encourage more careful / thoughtful / critical consumption
  (e.g. fact-checking)
• mistrust: doubt or skepticism

Question 4

Compare and contrast ideological polarization and affective polarization. Which has a greater impact on democratic discourse?

Answer 4

Ideological Polarization: Represents divergence in opinions or policy stances

Affective Polarization: Heightened emotional animosity toward the political out-group, Involves deep-seated dislike and distrust of the opposing group More damaging to democratic discourse and social cohesion

Question 5

How has the shift from a “low-choice” to a “high-choice” media environment affected polarization in the U.S.?

Answer 5

High choice creates more of an echo chamber for partisan believes, filter bubble

Question 6

What role does social media play in political polarization? Does it exacerbate or mitigate division? Take on a position and defend it.

Answer 6

Exacerbate, creates a filter bubble increasing affective polarization, lack of fact checking