Popular Media Polarization Essay

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Throughout history, popular media has occupied a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge amongst the masses. Noteworthy advances in technology, such as the television, have increasingly helped to sate the “popular demand for knowledge about the problems that torment modern man” (Schlesinger 343). More recently, the Internet has been identified not only for the availability of greater media choice, but also for the potential ease of individuals to consume selective or partisan media options (Davis 273). Now, researchers examine the extent to which media in general has played a part in one ongoing American progress: political polarization. While the number of consistent American liberals or conservatives has doubled since in the last two decades, and political center has also shrunk significantly from 49% to 39% of Americans between 1994 and 2004, the exact causes of these trends are complex (Doherty). One such factor, popular media, plays a unique role in the polarization of American politics, consisting of a cycle of real and perceived influence, which has grown lopsidedly among different groups with …show more content…

News sources in particular can use selective coverage of current or historical events to theoretically slant individuals’ perceptions of them. This type of partisan media also authorizes distinguished members of the favored group to gain increased coverage that helps to spread party preferences to the masses (Davis 277). Additionally, this coverage often includes clear directions to audiences about how to get involved in local politics (Kim 660-661). However, the effects of these directives and partisan cues are limited to individuals with like-minded political beliefs, as people “tend to accept positive perceptions of the favored candidate and negative perceptions of the opposed candidate when they are exposed to congenial media coverage” (Kim

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