America as a trendsetter : using pop culture and new technologies as a means of politics

Master Thesis
Συγγραφέας
Drakontaeidis, Dionysios Nikiforos
Δρακονταειδής, Διονύσιος Νικηφόρος
Ημερομηνία
2025-11-18Επιβλέπων
Botsiou, KonstantinaΜπότσιου, Κωνσταντίνα
Προβολή/ Άνοιγμα
Λέξεις κλειδιά
Pop culture ; Surveillance capitalism ; Soft power ; Digital propaganda ; MicrotargetingΠερίληψη
This thesis examines how the United States became a leading trendsetter through pop culture and new technologies, not only to shape global preferences but also to influence political ideologies and behaviors. Since the advent of social media platforms, the dynamics of political communication and engagement have been transforming since Facebook’s rise to popularity. The thesis aims to provide an overview of how the United States leverages digital innovations and popular culture as instruments of “soft power” to extend its influence beyond traditional political and economic means. In investigating this topic, the thesis will also address the interplay between cultural appeal and political influence, as well as the consequences in citizens’ political engagement, considering how digital platforms and media have redefined social behavior and power in the 21st century. Ultimately, this research seeks to demonstrate that in a world increasingly dominated by virtual interactions, a country’s ability to project influence and shape ideologies is profoundly impacted by its digital and cultural footprint, while the ongoing digital war for influence simultaneously alters the ways in which the public perceives politics in general.

