Social Media and Politics [2 volumes]: A New Way to Participate in the Political Process

by Glenn W. Richardson Jr. (Editor)

Overview

This two-volume set explores the various ways social media are profoundly changing politics in America.

The last decade has seen dramatic changes in the U.S. political process. The advent of social media and other new forms of expression have enabled an unprecedented number of citizens to enter the political arena by expressing their opinions about issues and candidates in ways that can influence untold numbers of voters and officials. But the vast majority of politicians have not fully grasped how social media has fundamentally changed the process of communication or adjusted to the dramatic shift in political power that is taking place.

Written by experts on the intersections of politics, public opinion, and popular culture, this book examines how new media have brought political "power to the people" like never before, provided new channels through which politicians communicate and attempt to influence public opinion, and caused a game-changing shift in political power. Volume one focuses on how savvy politicians are learning to communicate in new ways via new media in order to enhance their political appeal. The second volume examines the various ways in which individuals or groups who use new/social media are affecting voters' decisions, applying pressure to elected or appointed officials, and influencing the direction of the country.

• Covers key political and cultural issues in today's discourse—such as gay marriage, race, gender, "big data," and hyper-surveillance—from a variety of perspectives and a broad range of contributors
• Provides informed analysis of social media eruptions and their potential to change and shape political discourse
• Supplies an analysis of power that highlights the forgotten core of politics and political communication

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440839504
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/21/2016
Pages:	567
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Glenn W. Richardson Jr., PhD, teaches courses in American government, the American presidency, American political thought, constitutional law, American political parties, and public opinion at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Editorial Reviews

"These studies construct a body of knowledge that painstakingly establishes social media as an influential and now expected part of today’s political communications infrastructure, a continually evolving tool that candidates and political organizations need to know how to use effectively and responsibly." - ARBA

"The collection also offers a broad scope of topics and offers readers access and opportunities to consider some major dynamics at the intersection of politics and social media today. What they reveal is a changed and changing political landscape that leaves the public with at least two options: adapt to the changes or be left behind and thus civically excluded. Social Media and Politics is a must read for scholars and students in communication, media studies, journalism, political science, and sociology. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." - Choice

"The studies provide a valuable resource on the development of social media. The sometimes copious notes will be helpful to researchers seeking more on the subject. Graphs and tables provide clarity, and the indexes are helpful. VERDICT A worthwhile text for high school and college students and those interested in the growth of social media and politics." - Library Journal

From the Publisher

03/15/2017
Since the 2016 presidential election, there have been many questions raised regarding the role of social media in politics. How much of an influence did Facebook and Twitter have in the election, and how do these platforms affect how we communicate about politics? Edited by Richardson (political science, Kutztown Univ., PA), this two-volume set focuses on the use of social media in politics and social movements through a collection of academic essays and studies. Most of the chapters concentrate on American politics, but the Arab Spring in the Middle East, elections in Mexico, and communications in China are also covered. The contributors explore gender, education, the crafting of political messages, and how people engage with social media. Sections of the book sometimes feel prophetic, with descriptions of how some people's tendency to "cocoon [themselves] against disagreeable information" creates an echo chamber in their online world, the rise of citizen journalism, the growing importance of social media, and the use of memes. With the research primarily coming from data gathered during the 2008 and 2012 elections, there is very little information on the recent election; however, this does not detract from the value of the work. The studies provide a valuable resource on the development of social media. The sometimes copious notes will be helpful to researchers seeking more on the subject. Graphs and tables provide clarity, and the indexes are helpful. VERDICT A worthwhile text for high school and college students and those interested in the growth of social media and politics.—Susanne Caro, Univ. of Montana Lib., Missoula

Library Journal