Asked by Samantha Fusco on May 25, 2024
Verified
Social media usage tends to
A) have very little impact on politics because most people already have strong political opinions that cannot be shaped by news events.
B) influence the opinions of older Americans only because younger Americans are more skeptical of the information found on social media.
C) exaggerate partisan polarization among the mass public because people pick their own friend networks and can avoid disagreeable ideas.
D) minimize partisan polarization among members of the mass public because people are exposed to new ideas and sources of information.
Partisan Polarization
The growing ideological distance and political hostility between the major political parties in a political system.
Social Media
Social media encompasses web-based platforms and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking.
Political Opinions
Individuals' views or positions on political issues, leaders, or policies.
- Identify the influence of social media on how information is consumed and the division in political opinions.
Verified Answer
BP
Beatriz Palmieri de SouzaMay 28, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Studies have shown that social media usage can contribute to increased partisan polarization by allowing people to self-select and filter the information they receive, leading to the formation of "echo chambers" in which individuals are only exposed to viewpoints that confirm their existing beliefs. This can reinforce existing partisan divides and make it harder for individuals to understand and engage with viewpoints that differ from their own.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the influence of social media on how information is consumed and the division in political opinions.