How do information sources shape voters’ political views? Comparing mainstream and social-media effects on Democrats, Republicans, and the Undecided

Anil Mathur and George P. Moschis

The study assesses the extent to which the various sources of political information may influence the beliefs and values held by three groups of potential voters in the United States (Democrats, Republicans, and undecided).
Mathur and Moschis

Management Slant

  • Social media likely will have the greatest effect on undecided potential voters.
  • The various media and personal sources of information that Republican and undecided potential voters find helpful in shaping their political views may be more effective in promoting a liberal than a conservative political ideology.
  • The media might be more effective in changing the importance of an issue that favors one candidate over another than in attempting to change a candidate’s position on that issue.
  • Undecided voters might more likely develop a favorable attitude for a candidate who presents facts about his or her...

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