Fanning The Flames

There is no doubt that social media, and in this case, Facebook play a major role in society and politics in the U.S. Many feel as though Facebook oversteps and becomes too involved in politics and that they should not, while others appreciate the involvement that Facebook has in politics in the U.S. Social media definitely has some positive aspects, as it helps connects millions of people worldwide and brings attention to global events and social causes and injustices quickly, however Facebook’s use of algorithms are causing many division in our country and are very problematic to our politics and society. The use of algorithms by Facebook was mentioned last year by whistleblower and former Facebook employee, and the company knows that the use of algorithms is causing many negative consequences. The company was accused of placing profit over the well being of individuals who use Facebook (and other social media.) According to the former employee, Facebook knows that hate speech and ...

  Since our class specifically discusses the overlapping relationship between mass media and politics, I think it would be interesting and relevant to take a look at the relationship between young adults and politics, Specifically the study of political science and youth disengagement in politics. Youth make up a large percentage of the population and as well as large percentage of eligible voters, “While 18–29 year-olds account for nearly 22 percent of the voting-age population, they made up just 13 percent of the voting electorate in 2018 – and that’s an improvement over previous years.” Past and recent voter turnout and political involvement of young adults would also be helpful in better understanding political disengagement of young adults as a whole and ultimately helps to better understand the relationship between media and politics. Furthermore, the voting population of the U.S is aging with fewer young adults voting and becoming involved in politics. This is problematic as...

Over the last few weeks, we have discussed production methods used to gain attention and evoke certain emotions when publishing political content and events. Those range from, visual images, visual text, music and sounds, and color. In addition to the production methods mentioned, there are also strategic advertising techniques also in place to get the same responses and outcomes as the production methods, stereotyping, association, demonization, and code words. With strategic advertising often comes negative emotions, associations, and connotations associated with those methods. Ultimately the attempt to manipulate its viewers is a major negative aspect of media, an aspect that viewers are becoming more and more aware of. Furthermore, citizens are more aware of the lack of transparency of media when using the methods mentioned, ultimately contributing to society’s distrust of media. With all the major events happening in 2020, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, U.S presidential election...