POLI 330 Wk 2 Discussion Political Science

POLI 330 Wk 2 Discussion Political Science

Student Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

Prof. Name:

Date

Shift from Traditional Media to Social Media

Experts often assert that the media tends to exhibit bias, with a growing inclination toward infotainment rather than unbiased reporting. This trend has led many individuals to turn to social media networks for news instead of traditional outlets like CBS, NBC, FOX, and CNN. Personally, I agree with this perspective, as I find it increasingly difficult to trust mainstream news sources for consistent and accurate information. Historically, the media served as a watchdog, educating the public about policy debates, societal issues, and emerging challenges (Greenberg et al., 2018). However, during Donald Trump’s presidency, public trust in the media declined further due to his frequent criticisms of outlets like CNN, which he labeled as “fake news” (Greenberg et al., 2018). In contrast, platforms like Twitter now enable individuals to share opinions and participate in public discussions, amplifying alternative perspectives.

Before the rise of social media, traditional platforms such as television, radio, and newspapers were the primary sources of news, offering a centralized narrative trusted by the public. However, with the emergence of platforms like Facebook and YouTube, individuals began turning to social media as a primary source of information. While this shift is reflective of modern societal trends, it also presents challenges. Social media platforms provide diverse viewpoints, but users must critically evaluate the information they consume by consulting multiple sources. Tankovska (2021) highlights that Facebook and YouTube are among the most popular platforms Americans use to stay informed. However, the increasing reliance on these platforms underscores concerns about misinformation and the perception that news organizations blur the lines between fact and opinion to boost ratings and profits.

Media Bias and Infotainment

I concur with experts who believe that modern media often prioritizes sensationalism over impartial reporting. As Chamberlain (2021) states, “The power of the news media has increased dramatically,” making it vital for outlets to prioritize accuracy and public interest. Unfortunately, the shift toward infotainment has eroded the watchdog role of the media, undermining public trust. Social media has filled the gap to some extent by offering platforms for alternative voices. However, the proliferation of unverified information poses its own set of challenges. For news consumers, it is essential to verify the accuracy of information and seek balanced perspectives across multiple platforms.

Stricter Regulations for News Stations

Given these trends, I advocate for stricter regulations on news stations to ensure accountability and transparency. News outlets must verify their sources rigorously and admit errors when they occur. Additionally, they should disclose their information sources to enable audiences to cross-check the validity of their reporting. This would help restore public trust and ensure that news organizations prioritize truth over profit-driven narratives. By implementing these measures, the media can work toward reducing bias and fulfilling its role as an unbiased informant to the public.

POLI 330 Wk 2 Discussion Political Science

References

Baron, C. (2021). Most used social media 2021. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/

Chamberlain University. (2021). Week 2 Lesson: Structural foundations of American government and politics. Retrieved from https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/87406/pages/week-2-lesson-structural-foundations-of-american-government-and-politics?module_item_id=12896491

POLI 330 Wk 2 Discussion Political Science

Greenberg, E. S., Page, B. I., Doherty, D., Minkoff, S. L., & Ryan, J. (2021). The struggle for democracy. Pearson.