Beyond the ballot box : how do social media shape American political dynamics
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Keywords
Social media ; Political dynamics ; Political participation ; Trump ; American elections ; Biden ; Obama ; Social movements ; Presidential electionsAbstract
The thesis entitled “Beyond the Ballot Box: How Do Social Media Shape American Political Dynamics” explores the influence of social media on the political scene of the United States of America in the 21st century.
More specifically, the study presents the dual role of digital platforms that function both as means of strengthening political participation and as accelerators of disinformation and polarization, weakening political institutions overall.
In the theoretical framework, the work is based on Jürgen Habermas’ theory of the public sphere, as well as on the concept of “connective action” by Bennet & Segerberg, which take on a new meaning in the new digital era. In addition, reference is made to digital inequality, the inability for equal participation of the entire society in online events and, by extension, to the opportunities for political participation that they offer.
Methodologically, the work follows a qualitative analysis of the relevant literature, as well as specific case studies. Specifically, it presents the contribution of social media to the creation and emergence of new social movements, such as Occupy Wall Street, Me Too and Fridays for Future, as well as their role in the US presidential elections of 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Overall, the thesis demonstrates the ability of digital platforms to enhance political participation and inform citizens about political events. At the same time, it becomes clear that the same media can also function as means of disinformation, reinforcing polarization through the use of algorithms and the abuse of personal data.
In conclusion, social media is now an integral part of American political reality, as it is used by both the electorate and party politicians. For this reason, there is an urgent need for digital literacy, institutional accountability, and technological transparency to achieve healthy and productive use of social media as well as democratic resilience in the digital age.
Postgraduate Studies Programme
American Studies: Politics, Strategy and EconomicsDepartment
Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών ΣπουδώνNumber of pages
63Language
EnglishCollections
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Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα