The Role of the Media in Influencing Political Attitudes...

The Role of the Media in Influencing Political Attitudes in a Democracy Introduction The public gets political information on their preferred candidates or parties from different people and through the media. In today’s world, social media has also been one of main platforms that shape the public opinion. However, engaging in discussion with other members has proven more informative and persuasive than other methods including social media. Mass media is critical in forming the opinions of the members, and they use the discussions and insights they gather from the media to generate their own ideas and viewpoints (Zaller, 55). The media has experts’ analyses who give opinions based on facts and experience on the matters facing the†¦show more content†¦As a result, people end up using information shortcuts that are a threat to the democracy if the shortcuts are controlled by individuals or firms (Zaller, 93). Individuals or firms may be the media houses and their informants who dictate the information they release and give to the people. If the in formation is poorly managed or the choice of information to be availed to the public is not substantial to form an opinion, it may lead to creating the wrong impression, which becomes a threat to democracy in the long run. Whereas an opinion is based on an argument and information, political opinion is grounded on value judgment about a fact that can be changed by an individual from time to time to either form a moral opinion or an altered opinion (Zaller, 105). In practice, it depends on how people acquire political information, and if it is from the media, individuals may turn out to be susceptible to changing their standpoint. This depends on an individual forming an opinion from their own judgment of the information availed to them and it is not always the case. Zaller adds that people have their true opinions and views about a given matter that they alter from time to time since a change is a natural process (Zaller, 90). According to the author, though a person has formed their own opinion, if the question is asked more than once andShow MoreRelatedExplain The Effects Of Family On Ones Political Values1171 Words   |  5 PagesFundamental Values Describe what a democracy is and why it is significant. A democracy is a system of government where the people have the opportunity to have a say in important governmental processes. For instance, in a democracy, one has the privilege to directly vote on key public officials. 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