Final Essay

Online media such as websites, blogs, and social media have been globally transformative in many aspects of modern culture. As online media begins to exceed newspapers and even television, its negative and positive effects on political governance are reaching new grounds. Political processes have been dramatically altered on a global scale due to the effects of online media and how it has influenced the decision making process. This can be seen in the development of political scandals, the influence on matters of political protest and movement, and the expanding power of political parties. It has now become almost impossible to ignore the effects social media has on political decision-making processes. Every politician, especially among

In a newspaper article called “How Social Media Silences Debate”, writer Claire Miller (2014) argues how social media has diminished rather than enhanced political participation. Online media, particularly in Western culture, has contributed to the problematic culture of conforming. People adapt to other people’s views and opinions in order to “fit in”, and this level of conformity is reflected in social media. This negatively affects political processes, because political parties may be gaining power for the wrong reasons. The expansion of social media relates to the expanding power of political parties to persuade public opinion. Though it may be true that social media forums result in more young people becoming actively engaged in politics that affect their government, certain studies have shown that they are only engaged in issues in which they and the people their connected with are involved. This leads to flaws in political decision-making processes, because the ability to persuade public opinion matters significantly to voter’s outcome. Political parties when elected are granted a power to persuade and manipulate the people. The elected party may not always exercise this power of manipulation, but it is important to understand the dangers of this to a society. Democratic societies don’t see corruption of power in the government the same as a in a dictatorship or in a communist country, but it is present. Politicians are not exempt from developing power hungry schemes sometimes leading to political scandals that in turn, lead societies to regret their voting decision. Often people become disappointed in the politicians that are elected because they don’t keep their promises, they are money-centered, or they abuse their power. Debates and speeches are purposely crafted in order to inspire,