Deck 2: Introduction to Political Communication

Question 1

Write an essay describing the process by which media and social media have become a central part of political communication and the political system.

Answer 1

The rise of media and social media as central components of political communication and the political system has been a significant development in recent years. This transformation has had a profound impact on the way political information is disseminated, how political campaigns are conducted, and how citizens engage with the political process.

One of the key factors driving the integration of media and social media into politics is the widespread accessibility and usage of these platforms. With the advent of the internet and the proliferation of smartphones, individuals now have unprecedented access to a wide range of media sources and social media platforms. This has allowed for the rapid dissemination of political news and information, as well as the ability for individuals to engage in political discourse in real-time.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has fundamentally changed the way political campaigns are conducted. Candidates and political parties now use social media platforms to reach and engage with voters, bypassing traditional media outlets and directly targeting specific demographics. This has led to a more personalized and targeted approach to political communication, as well as the ability for individuals to directly interact with political figures and campaigns.

In addition, the influence of media and social media on the political system has also been evident in the way that political issues are framed and discussed. The 24-hour news cycle and the viral nature of social media have led to an increased focus on sensationalism and soundbites, often at the expense of in-depth analysis and nuanced discussion. This has had a significant impact on the way that political information is consumed and understood by the public, as well as the way that political narratives are shaped and disseminated.

Overall, the integration of media and social media into political communication and the political system has had far-reaching implications. While these platforms have provided new opportunities for political engagement and information dissemination, they have also raised concerns about the impact of misinformation and the potential for echo chambers and polarization. As we continue to grapple with the role of media and social media in politics, it is clear that these platforms will remain central to the political landscape for the foreseeable future.

Question 2

Write an essay describing similarities and differences in the role of media in democratic elections around the world compared to the United States.

Answer 2

The role of media in democratic elections around the world varies significantly from country to country, and when compared to the United States, there are both similarities and differences.

In many democratic countries, the media plays a crucial role in informing the public about political candidates, their platforms, and the issues at stake in an election. This is similar to the United States, where media outlets such as newspapers, television, and online platforms provide extensive coverage of political campaigns and election events. However, the extent to which the media is able to operate freely and independently can vary widely. In some countries, the media may be heavily censored or controlled by the government, leading to biased or limited coverage of election-related news. In contrast, the United States has a strong tradition of press freedom, and media outlets are generally able to report on elections without government interference.

Another similarity between the role of media in democratic elections around the world and in the United States is the use of media to influence public opinion. Political parties and candidates often use media campaigns to sway voters and shape public perception of key issues. This can include advertising, debates, and interviews with candidates, as well as the use of social media to engage with voters. However, the level of regulation and transparency in campaign advertising and media coverage can vary widely between countries. In some countries, there may be strict regulations on political advertising, while in others, there may be little oversight, leading to the spread of misinformation and propaganda.

One significant difference between the role of media in democratic elections around the world and in the United States is the level of diversity and plurality in the media landscape. In many countries, the media may be dominated by a few large, state-owned or politically affiliated outlets, leading to limited diversity of viewpoints and potential bias in election coverage. In the United States, on the other hand, there is a wide range of media outlets representing diverse political perspectives, allowing for a more robust and competitive marketplace of ideas.

Overall, while the role of media in democratic elections shares some common features across countries, there are also important differences in terms of media freedom, regulation, and diversity. Understanding these similarities and differences is crucial for evaluating the impact of media on democratic processes and outcomes around the world.

Question 3

Mediatization is defined as __________

A) The process of crafting the seemingly-infinite amounts of information that permeates society into the limited number of messages that reach people each day
B) the process by which the media have come to play a central role in politics and transformed the structural relations of politics in society.
C) a complex, communicative activity in which language and symbols, employed by leaders, media, citizens, and citizen groups, exert a multitude of effects on individuals and society, as well as on outcomes that bear on the public policy of a nation, state, or community.
D) the overlap and differences in political media systems, along with their implications for media content and effects.
E) media exerting broad-based effects on public opinion, institutional change, political activism, and public policy.

Answer 3

the process by which the media have come to play a central role in politics and transformed the structural relations of politics in society.

Question 4

Gatekeeping is defined as __________

A) The process of crafting the seemingly-infinite amounts of information that permeates society into the limited number of messages that reach people each day
B) the process by which the media have come to play a central role in politics and transformed the structural relations of politics in society.
C) a complex, communicative activity in which language and symbols, employed by leaders, media, citizens, and citizen groups, exert a multitude of effects on individuals and society, as well as on outcomes that bear on the public policy of a nation, state, or community.
D) the overlap and differences in political media systems, along with their implications for media content and effects.
E) media exerting broad-based effects on public opinion, institutional change, political activism, and public policy.

Question 5

Which of the following is a false statement about gatekeeping?

A) The conventional media used to serve as the sole gatekeepers
B) Gatekeeping today occurs in a network more of people's own liking, creating environments where individuals are more likely to be exposed to messages they already agree with.
C) Gatekeeping occurs through a more multifaceted media than ever before.
D) In some cases social media sites allow extremist, prejudicial ideas to become part of public discourse.
E) None of the above; all statements above are true