America: A History Podcast
BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy?
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Episode notes
In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit.
They contemplate whether social media is merely a tool for political communication, or if it has morphed into something far more complex, shaping narratives and influencing outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age.
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Highlights from this episode:
- In today's episode, we dove deep into how social media, especially platforms like Reddit and TikTok, has reshaped the way we consume news and engage in political discourse.
- We discussed how Trump and Musk are leveraging social media to influence American politics, creating both opportunities and concerns for democracy.
- Reddit's unique community-focused nature allows for more extensive discussions, setting it apart from quicker, more superficial platforms like Twitter.
- We also touched on the impact of campaign financing in politics, highlighting how money matters more than ever in shaping electoral outcomes and candidate viability.
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Additional Resources:
Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley
Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University
Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News
12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them?
Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics?
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