Keywords
information agenda
social networks
disinformation
political communication
How to Cite
Abstract
In the era of mass digitalization and the development of social media, the political space, previously almost entirely controlled by the media and the state, has undergone significant changes. The fragmentation of the information field and the lack of full control over the digital environment increasingly impact the public in the context of protest movements, leading not only to domestic political destabilization but also to the division of society into opposing, irreconcilable ideological camps. The information agenda has also undergone significant changes, and its formation is now the responsibility not only of media editors, political or economic actors, but also of opinion leaders. Any social media post, comment, or reaction from a popular blogger can spark a heated debate among their followers and draw attention to a specific event. Given the influencers’ lack of expertise on a number of issues, their statements and opinions are often subjective, not always accurate, or downright misleading. Therefore, in today’s digital world, it is important to be able to analyze information, resist the influence of popular figures, and master the process of fact-checking to form a more objective picture of the world. Consequently, this article analyzes the influence of social media and its actors on the formation of the political agenda, taking into account the challenges of the digital age. The authors highlight the key issues that underscore the article novelty. Firstly, the topic of agenda-setting in social media has not been fully explored and is only limited in domestic academic discourse. Secondly, identifying the advantages of social media over traditional media and analyzing specific examples in the context of agenda-setting and promotion is a new phenomenon in the academic community. Therefore, this article has theoretical and practical significance for research in the field of information interaction and social development. The main mechanisms that shape the modern information landscape are also highlighted.
References
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