The Impact of Social Media on Public Opinion
In just over a decade, social media has transformed from a digital novelty into one of the most powerful forces shaping public opinion. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube don’t just reflect public sentiment — they actively shape it. From elections and social movements to consumer behaviour and cultural norms, social media now plays a central role in how people think, react, and decide. From Gatekeepers to Algorithms Traditionally, newspapers, television, and radio acted as gatekeepers of information. Editors determined what stories reached the public and how they were framed. Social media dismantled that system. Today: Anyone can publish content instantly. Algorithms — not editors — decide what spreads. Emotional, sensational, or polarizing content is often rewarded with visibility. This shift has democratized speech but also created an environment where accuracy often competes with virality. Speed Over Subst...
