POLI SCI: MODULE 4 CHECKPOINT

Module 4 Checkpoint
Name
[Institutional Affiliation(s)]Module 4 Checkpoint
Thesis: The influence of social media on political views of the U.S. citizens
Survey and GraphSurvey Question 1: How do you feel about the political content you disagree with being posted on social media?
A. Offended
B. Worn-out
C. Ignore content
Results: Individuals offended by political posts on social media: 10
Individuals who feel worn-out by political posts on social media: 15
Individuals who ignore political content posted on social media: 5
Survey Question 2: Does the discussion of a political issue on social media change your stand?
A. Yes
B. No
Results: Political stand changed by social media: 12
Political stand not influenced by social media: 18
Survey Question 3: Does social media dictate the success of a candidate?
A. Yes
B. No
Results: Agree that social media dictates the success of a candidate: 20
Disagree that social media dictates the success of a candidate: 10
Graph 1
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Graph 2

I was motivated while conducting this survey because I noticed that young people were interested in discussing issues about technology use. Although most of the respondents confided that they had little interest in political matters discussed over traditional media like newspapers or television, they found political news on social platforms appealing (McGrath, 2011). This survey made me realize that if social media platforms are used constructively, they might persuade people to change their political views on a specific issue.

This survey will help me in the final project as the results will demonstrate the role that technology plays in influencing political participation. Successful utilization of technology in the political arena depends on a politician’s lobbying skills, knowledge of policies, and strategic campaigning skills (Dooley & Pattern, 2013). The aspect of this survey that would mostly feature in my project is on whether the discussion of a political issue on social media alters citizen’s view. The results from this survey indicate that more than half of the respondents feel offended or worn-out by negative politics posted on social sites and about two-thirds felt these platforms could influence a candidate’s success.
References
Dooley, K. L., & Pattern, J. N. (2013). Why politics matters: An introduction to political science (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
McGrath, M. (2011). Technology, media, and political participation. National Civic Review, 100(3), 41-44. doi:10.1002/ncr.20075