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''' Are certain political groups wrongfully manipulating the media to give the public a certain image of the organization? '''

Introduction

Social media is present in everyday life, constantly influencing the public; therefore, political parties are using social media to their advantage. The First Amendment was created in 1789, which stated that there is freedom of speech in America. Known as the country of opportunities, American sheltered and thrived off of diverse cultures and beliefs. Since then, society has evolved but the freedom of speech has always remained constant. In today's society, people, such as political parties, are using media as a platform to promote their ideas. Several research studies have shown that the public is actually listening to the promotions and agreeing with political opinions. Therefore, when one goes on the internet to look at the news or goes to a social media website there are several political influences that can be found. The most concerning question coming from media users is whether or not political groups are wrongfully manipulating the media to give the public a false image. Studies have shown that several websites and authors are altering a political groups image to convince their audience to agree with his or her own opinion. However, it is also obvious that these political groups are manipulating their image to gain supporters. Some people believe that it is justifiable for these groups to appeal and target a certain audience. At the same time, other people believe that it is immoral for the for these groups to deceive their audience and give them a false image. The main objection to these comes from people who do not agree with the political group's goal. Overall, there will always be people who disagree with political groups that wrongfully use the media to gain supporters; however, it is a tactical strategy move to use the media as a platform. Every day thousands of media users experience political promotion on social media networks. Barnidge, the author, is exploring the theory of social media and political disagreement. Some people believe that it is unethical for political groups to promote their beliefs on social media; however, avoiding personal opinion is inevitable. This will help achieve a better understanding of how political groups are representing themselves in specific ways. It is important to see how the political groups are using media to target the audience and gain supporters. Even though there are certain instances where the media can be wrongfully manipulated by political groups, that does not mean all of the groups should be unanimously judged. It is essential to remember that freedom of speech is one of the most important values in the United States; therefore, political groups have the right to present their opinion and image uniquely.

Social Media In Other Countries

Ultimately, people are born with the right to freely express themselves and that includes political opinions. In today's society, people are constantly voicing their opinions whether it be in person or online; however, the ethics and morals behind the promotion are being questioned. While some people believe that is is unethical for political groups to promote their opinions online, others believe that the use of social media is essential. One controversial reason for people objecting the use of social media to promote the political opinion is that the political group will create a false image for the public. However, social media is just manipulated as a tool to promote the group's opinion and it is no different than expressing their opinion in person. Even though social media has been used as a tool to create a false perception of political groups, this does not mean all political groups are wrongfully presenting themselves. For example, it is clear that in North Korea the government is using social media to promote their communist, almost dictatorship opinions, but in America, it is clear that the political ideas are false. People believe that if we continue to allow Political groupsー like seen in North Koreaー to wrongfully manipulate the media and give the audience a false image of what the group stands for we are allowing all the other groups to manipulate social media too. FB Keller, D Schoch, S Stier, and JH Yang, the authors of a political article evaluates hidden propaganda, specifically in North Korea. The image of the political groups in North Korea is believed to be good; however, the source explains that it is actually harming society as a whole. As I have mentioned before, millions of people around the world notice the deceitfulness of the group. The political groups believe that they have the upper hand by using social media; however, they will be subjected to constant recognition. People around the world will be watching the actions of the groups and see if their beliefs match up with actions they are taking to gain supporters. There has been widespread research that is not solely focused on one country.

Propaganda

One keyword that the FB Keller, D Schoch, S Stier, and JH Yang, includes is propaganda. Several countries are manipulating social media to gain unanimous political opinions and beliefs of the public. Not only is this article addressing the use of social media as a tool to persuade political action but it is all asking for a call to action by the public. Overall, there will always be political groups that wrongfully manipulate social media; however, it does not define all political groups. One of the most commonly known group that employed negative propaganda was the Nazis. They wrongful abused the media and converted thousands into agreeing with them; however, several people noticed the corruption caused by propaganda. At the same time, there is also positive propaganda which is the commonly known poster of Rosie the Riveter. Rosie the Riveter was an image of a female saying “We can do it” to encourage and create feminine power during World War II. In today’s society propaganda is manipulated in social media to appeal to an audience's emotion and create a call to action. Just because one group tarnishes the opinion that political groups wrongfully manipulate social media does not mean every group does. Even without social media used as a platform to express ideas, there will always be groups corrupting the system in favor of their opinions. It is essential for people to understand that it is normal and resourceful for political groups to use social media.

Twitter and Facebook

Political organizations are targeting social media users because the audience tends to be the younger generation. Websites like Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram are now platforms for people to express their opinions. Political Polarization on Twitter: Implications for the Use of Social Media in Digital Governments by Sounman Hong and Sun Hyoung Kim identify the use of Twitter as a main source of persuasion. In this article, the authors evaluate the interaction between a number of twitter followers and extreme opinions of politicians. Therefore, the authors are recognizing that social media has allowed political extremism. This article will argue that social media can be a beneficial tool of persuasion if used correctly. Political groups will be allowed to freely express their opinion and show the target audience what they believe in. Some people may argue that by using the media to promote opinions, the political groups are hiding behind a mask. However, social media is just used as a tool to promote political opinions. In history thousands of people have manipulated different platforms to express their goals; therefore, the use of media is a modernized way of targeting an audience.

Twitter users from President Trump to new sites like the Guardian, manipulate twitter to reach a new audience. President Trump is a constant user of Twitter and manipulates the media source to relay information to followers. His recent feed shows Twitter users the progress and action he is taking. The media site gives society a glimpse into the President’s life and makes him seem more relatable and agreeable. There is a specific image created by President’s Trump’s twitter account; however, the image is beneficial because it allows society to feel more connected to the President and see him more as an average person instead of a leader. Additionally, on the President’s Trump’s twitter feed is First Lady Melania Trump’s twitter. The connection between the two accounts allows the audience to see into both of the leaders lives and see how they are making a difference. Therefore, they both are creating an image for the public by selectively posting information that will benefit their cause. Some people may believe that it is wrong for them to manipulate the media; however, my using social media the public is able to determine if the leaders are doing enough to help this country. It may seem as if social media is an escape for the President and First Lady to create a false image, but the media allows society to view the actions of the two. Therefore, the manipulation of social media is beneficial for the public to check and watch the actions of the leaders.

Black Lives Matter

Not only are political leaders using the media but so are political groups like the Black Lives Matter organization several activist groups have been created to help promote their opinions. An article called Ethnic and Racial Studies the author explains that creating hashtags in twitter has allowed political groups to single out their ideas and target a specific audience. Compared to the other resources, this source shows a case study that brings in an example of how social media is being manipulated by political groups. Most people know what the Black Lives Matter organization is and what they stand for due to social media. Without the media to help broaden the campaign, the organization would not be as successful as it is today. Clearly, the use of social media does not always harm the audience, but it can allow several groups to reach out to an audience. Another article that analyzes the use of social media by the Black Lives Matter organization is Ferguson on Facebook: Political Persuasion in a New Era of Media Effects, and the author discusses political persuasion on social media. Instead of bringing websites like twitter and Facebook, the author addresses a T.V. show that discusses the Ferguson shooting. By evaluating the shooting, the author was recognizing the effects of media on political groups. As the media continues to evolve, so will the use of political persuasion meaning that political groups will use methods like humor to target an audience. Everyone has the right to his or her own opinion; therefore, these political groups are creating new tactics to promote their beliefs. Several groups are manipulating social media to explain and promote their beliefs. After statistical research in the journal Social Media for Social Change: Social Media Political Efficacy and Activism in Student Activist Groups, the authors found that social media applications, like Facebook and twitter, are targeting the youth and spreading political opinions. This source explains that social media is the new tool for political activism. This source explains that the media is being manipulated for groups to promote their beliefs; however, the uprising of online activism is being accepted by the youth, but there are also several people in the audience who disagree with the opinions. In today's society, social media will not always bring harm to the users instead it will allow people to freely express their opinion and create a positive movement.

Celebrities

Thousands of people in America use social media and regularly check for updates. One of the most influential aspects of social media comes from celebrities. They use their fame and reputation to target their followers and spread their beliefs. From actors to models, they all use websites like Instagram to bring political awareness. For example, singer Katy Perry promoted the election of 2016 by performing for the nomination of the Democratic Party. The event was widespread and promoted through social media. There are people who believe that it is not appropriate for important figures to use their influences to manipulate politics. Over the course of history, celebrities have used their influence to promote what they believe in; however, their job labeled them as an entertainer. It is believed that celebrities do not have the credentials or background to promote politics. At the same time, celebrities have the responsibility to use their leadership and bring awareness to politics. Another popular celebrity known for promoting politics is Lady Gaga. Recently she has taken her influence on Instagram and has been promoting the hashtag #itsonus. Lady Gaga has always promoted the end of sexual violence as seen in several of her songs like Til It Happens To you. Since 2015, Lady Gaga has always been passionate about this topic; therefore, her use of social media is applicable. It is necessary for celebrities to use social media as a way to promote their beliefs.

As you can see in this photo Lady Gaga posted she is appealing to the democratic audience. Seen through her social media, Lady Gaga is socially Liberal; however, she is using Instagram to appeal to other people with different political beliefs. There will always be people who believe that celebrities using social media is not appropriate, but can they argue that sexual assault is not important. There will always be injustices in the world, and it our responsibility to bring awareness and fight to end the issues. Therefore, it is essential for celebrities to use social media and promote politics even if it gives a false image to the public.

Emotions in Politics

In every piece of writing or analysis, there will be biased nature from an author. Much like a composition, in politics, several political groups have a hard time taking out emotion and promote their opinion only using facts. The concern for biased information comes from the people who believe that political groups are wrongfully manipulating their audience. For example, a political group can utilize pathos and use the audience’s emotion to have them support the cause. Even though, some people may believe it is wrong for the groups to use the technique; however, it shows the importance of that organization’s goal. By using the audience’s emotions, the organization's is able to target the audience and show them a favorable image. Without emotion, these groups would not be able to express the importance and passion for the group’s goal. They believe that their action will make a difference and hopefully help make the society better. Having emotion in politics will also make the group more approachable and relatable to the audience. Therefore, by including emotion in the media several political groups will be able to reach out towards an audience who has the same passion towards a common goal.

For example, one well-known movement in today’s society is the modern feminist movement. The National Organization for Women (NOW) was created during the 1960s and has been prospering since. The group fights for political action and uses several emotions to help target an audience. Some people may believe that the organization is wrongfully harming society because they are manipulating social media to gain followers; however, the group is fighting for what it believes in. Even though NOW has an image associated with the group, does not mean it is ethically wrong. In order for the group to make a change in the world, then they have to include emotion and allow the audience to feel empathy.

Election of 2016

One of the most recent major political persuasions came from the 2016 election. The United States is a democratic government and the public plays a monumental part in controlling the Nation. For the past four years, the government was headed by President Barack Obama who is a known Democrat. Therefore, transitioning from a democratic president to a Republican president created distress to many. Throughout the election, several groups campaigned to gain supporters for each candidate resulting in controversial opinions. Several celebrities used their fame as a platform to target their followers and express. Additionally, companies and political groups also projected their ideas to gain support for their opinions. Due to the fact that this political election was massive and determines the president of the United States for the next two years, several people disagreed with the campaigning. It is important to make a decision based off of one owns belief instead of being persuaded by political groups. The promotions tend to bash the other politician instead of explains the benefits of voting for the candidate. These harsh techniques to gain supports are not the most respectful; however, including negative information about another candidate, the audience will be more likely to research the politician. Several political groups manipulate social media to appeal to an audience; however, the interpretation of the information depends on the audience. Therefore, the political groups are not giving a set image but letting the listeners make their own decisions about the groups.

Conclusion

There will always be two sides to this topic, but taking into consideration in steps it takes to influence an audience, it is clear that the audience makes the final decision. Political groups will try to present their information in diverse ways to appeal to a specific audience; however, it is up to the audience to gather their own opinion about the group. There are some cases where political groups are wrongfully manipulating the media. It is unacceptable, but the audience will recognize the harm the political groups are creating. The media can allow political groups to present an image towards the audience; however, it will also allow the audience to confirm the actions of the political groups. Some people believe that these political groups can hide behind social media and create a false image; however, social media will actually put the groups on a platform to be watched by the public. The media is everywhere and allows people to constantly observe the actions of the political groups. Overall, political groups will always be manipulating social media, but that does not mean it is putting anyone in danger. Social media allows political groups to reach towards an audience and help spread the importance of their goals. The media is a platform where political groups can present their ideas and allows the audience to make his or her own decision about the group. Even though the groups are creating an image for the public, does not mean they are creating any harm or damaging society.

Work Cited

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Barnidge, Matthew. “The Role of News in Promoting Political Disagreement on Social Media.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 52, 17 June 2015, pp. 211–218., ac.els-cdn.com/S0747563215004501/1-s2.0-S0747563215004501-main.pdf?_tid=cec007b2-acf8-11e7-8caf-00000aacb35d&acdnat=1507557208_6e6ad11b6e084add200b736c9496a6f0.

Brady, William J, et al. “Emotion Shapes the Diffusion of Moralized Content in Social Networks.” Vol. 114, no. 28, 26 June 2017, pp. 7313–7318., doi:10.1073/pnas.1618923114.

Brown, Melissa. “Ethnic and Racial Studies.” Taylor and Francis Online, Ethical and Racial Studies, 14 June 2017, www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01419870.2017.1334934?needAccess=true.

FB Keller, D Schoch, S Stier, JH Yang. “How to Manipulate Social Media: Analyzing Political Astroturfing Using Ground Truth Data from South Korea.” Schochastics, Schochastics, 1 May 1970, schochastics.net/publication/political_astroturf_korea/.

Greenwood, Molly M. “Ferguson on Facebook: Political Persuasion in a New Era of Media Effects.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 57, 17 Dec. 2015, pp. 1–10., ac.els-cdn.com/S0747563215302739/1-s2.0-S0747563215302739-main.pdf?_tid=205e4d2e-ad24-11e7-99fb-00000aacb360&acdnat=1507575813_1a0f694f70d622f6a74bd2876def6446.

Hern, Alex. “Facebook and Twitter Are Being Used to Manipulate Public Opinion – Report.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 June 2017, www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/19/social-media-proganda-manipulating-public-opinion-bots-accounts-facebook-twitter.

Hong, Sounman, and Sun Hyoung Kim. “Political Polarization on Twitter: Implications for the Use of Social Media in Digital Governments.” Government Information Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 4, Aug. 2016, pp. 777–782., ac.els-cdn.com/S0740624X16300375/1-s2.0-S0740624X16300375-main.pdf?_tid=8f0e2976-ad13-11e7-a350-00000aacb362&acdnat=1507568697_957031111aedef319aeadefef2217d5e.

Ping Yu, Rebecca. “The Relationship between Passive and Active Non-Political Social Media Use and Political Expression on Facebook and Twitter.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 58, 7 Dec. 2015, pp. 413–420., ac.els-cdn.com/S074756321630019X/1-s2.0-S074756321630019X-main.pdf?_tid=e29a871e-acf6-11e7-9e96-00000aacb360&acdnat=1507556382_82f6154b903020380c6031ac6def0dc1.

Semetko, Holli A. "Political Bias in the Media." Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications, Donald Johnston, Elsevier Science & Technology, 1st edition, 2003. CredoReference, https://login.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/estimc/political_bias_in_the_media/0?institutionId=2057. Accessed 09 Oct 2017.