Week 2: Assignment

ThursdayOct 12 at 7:46pm

Manage Discussion Entry

“Networks have always been part of society to help people navigate life within groups or between groups, but the late modern society involves networks that become more central organizational forms that transcend groups and constitute core organizations in their own right” (Information Communication and Society, 2012). In my experience, the two most common media platforms covering politics currently are television and internet. People crave constant updates and the fastest ways to get current information is from television and internet. Specifically, 24-hour news channels and Twitter. “Seemingly endless content is available on mobile devices, online, and through our television and computer screens.” (Graber & Dunaway, 2015).

Politicians are leveraging the use of social media. However, I can’t make a general response in regards to the successfulness. For instance; Barack Obama was hugely successful in his campaign which relied profoundly on social media. Although, President Trump often puts his foot in his mouth (on Twitter specifically) which leads to public scrutiny. Social media is making a difference in our society; although it is hard to say if that is good or bad. According to Mass Media and American Politics, “The end result for political knowledge is that with more content choices comes a widening gap in political knowledge between those who are interested in politics and those who are not.”

Traditional print media and broadcast still have a valid roll in the political process. People cannot read while they drive, which is one reason radio stays relevant. From traditional radio to the now more popular podcasts, people can get auditory on the go information. Print media, another age-old tradition has its place as well, while many still prefer to read a real paper or magazine. The information may not be as up to date as an online version; however, it will be eventually.

-Mallory Murray

References

Graber, D. A., & Dunnaway, J. (2015). Mass Media and American Politics (Ninth ed.). Thousand

Oaks, California: Sage Publications.

The logic of connective action: Digital media and the personalization of contentious politics.

(2012). Information, Communication and Society, (5), 739. doi:10.1080/1369118X.2012.670661