Question

What do you believe are the social, political, and/or cultural implications of social media? Do you think it influences or even reflects public opinion? How persuasive are messages on social media (and under what conditions)? How has social media changed public relations?

Answer 1

Social and cultural Implications of Social Media:

What had started as a useful way of connecting with people and being aware about the happenings around the world has quickly moved on to a phase where more and more people are getting addicted to it. Not only younger generations but also the adults from the older generations are more and more using this social media for connecting with people and staying in touch. Spending countless hours on social media has resulted in people being less focused on their day to day tasks. Proper conversations have become rare as people are indulging more and more in social media. This leads to depression and anxiety as there is a constant need to connect and constant expectation of being in touch. Seeking likes on posts and photos and seeking that sense of approval has also become a major by product of this social media addiction. It is safe to say that the side effects have overpowered the positive aspects of social media.

Political implications:

Social media is more and more being used by politicians to pass on messages and information to the masses. But the major implication of social media is on the poll campaigns where politicians are using false posts and fake news to launch an attack on their rivals. This is not only unethical but also an unfair way of affecting public opinion. The elections in USA during Trump's arrival and also the recently concluded elections in India are examples where a proper and well planned social media strategy has helped overturn the favored public opinion.

Influence on public opinion:

Social Media does affect public opinion as can be seen in various electoral campaign across the world. Regarding persuasiveness of social media messages, it completely depends on the background of the social media user. A well informed social media user often understands right from wrong but some users are easily swayed by the fake news and messages and end up getting influenced.

How social media changed public relations:

As far as pubic relations is considered, PR persons are more and more trying to engage users/followers through engaging and compelling content. Companies are using social media to create a buzz among people and generate traction thereby creating interaction and feedback. As far as celebs are concerned they are constantly staying in touch with their fan base by various brand ads and movie updates and in general posting about various relevant issues going on in the world and their country.