Title: Media's Influence on the Public's Political Attitudes - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: Media's Influence on the Public's Political Attitudes
Media's Influence on the Public's Political Attitudes
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Political Attitudes
The Media's Role
Newer Forms of Media
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Content: Many forms of new media have already influenced people to vote, volunteer and give money. For example, the American Red Cross used Twitter to raise a record-breaking $8 million dollar plus in relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The convenience of new media is the main reason it plays an important role in shaping today's political attitudes. New media is wide-ranging and offers: Immediate connection, which allows protests or political gatherings to be scheduled last minute and widely publicized through tweets or Facebook posts. The Tea Party often uses this method, as did organizers of recent street demonstrations in Iran. This connection also allows candidates to send messages directly to supporters, without depending on favorable media coverage. News you can choose, meaning the Internet allows voters to look at the sources and stories that appeal specifically to them, while ignoring other points of view. Sharing, which allows voters to distribute news themselves, as through 'retweeting' or reposting. When news comes from a friend or trusted colleague, voters are more likely to support the same point of view.