Title: How Does The Media Influence The Outcome Of An Election? - WorldAtlas
Headings: How Does The Media Influence The Outcome Of An Election?
How Does The Media Influence The Outcome Of An Election?
Coverage/Non-coverage
Media Bias
Social Media
Implications

Content: The use of platforms such as Twitter allows an individual to maintain their talking points and agenda without being quoted out of context by the news media. In the lead up to any modern-day election, online engagement and media have become increasingly important and influential. Take one look at a major news broadcast today and it is almost a guarantee that a social media post (negative or positive) will be a part of the presentation. Pew Research Center conducted a 2016 study that showed 62% of adults in the United States get the majority of their news from social media. Not only is this worrisome due to the lack of diversity within the Facebook news feed algorithm, but due to this algorithm, the individual will usually receive information that is in line with their current political beliefs. This process is known as an echo chamber and will serve to reinforce views rather than offer new information or alternative methods or ideas. Implications
The consequences of media influence on future elections are very murky and unknown due to the rise and pervasiveness of social media as a reporting and communication tool. These online platforms allow consumers to receive news 24 hours a day which has lead to more of an opinion and commentary based news industry. The fact that candidate for office can directly communicate with their base without leaving the house and creating a theatrical news conference is a massive shift from traditional media practices and routines. Traditional media coverage remains a critical tool for information, but due to coverage/non-coverage bias, and social media, among other factors, these institutions may have an increasingly less significant role in future elections.