Social Media and Political Communication

This book provides an interdisciplinary analysis and guide to social media and political communication, examining the political use of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It explores how social media tools are being deployed by good and bad political actors, including the use of fake news and disinformation. It also examines how social media is used by activists and social movements to increase civic engagement and amplify social issues. The book surveys traditional media communication theories and methods and includes social network analyses to offer visual representations of social media crowds that influence political change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted realm of social media and political communication, offering a thorough and interdisciplinary exploration. It examines the political utilization of popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, shedding light on the diverse ways in which these platforms are being employed by both positive and negative political actors.

In his insightful analysis, Jeremy Lipschultz delves into a range of topics, including disinformation, artificial intelligence, and the contextualization of fake news within the broader historical context of propaganda, persuasion, and political advertising. He also explores the empowering role of social media in fostering civic engagement and amplifying social issues among activists and social movements.

The book provides a comprehensive survey of traditional media communication theories and methods, encompassing news gatekeeping, propaganda, persuasion, and personal influence. It further explores the dissemination of new technologies and ideas and their impact on political social media content. By teaching vital critical thinking methods for consuming, engaging with, and understanding political social media content from a media literacy perspective, the book equips readers with the tools necessary to navigate the complex landscape of political social media.

Furthermore, the book includes social network analyses that offer visual representations of social media crowds, highlighting their influence on social movements and political change. This insightful resource is of paramount importance to students of Media and Cultural Studies, Communication, Journalism, Political Science, and Information Technology, as well as anyone seeking to comprehend the current intersection of social media and politics.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367772536