Influence of media over people's opinion

 After the impact of social media on public opinion has proved itself to be the most substantial impact a form of media can have on an audience, social media has been used as a powerful tool by politicians, marketers, brands, companies, and even individuals to achieve their goals.

Social media usage in public opinion has many objectives that differ from one case to another, as we will explain in more detail in this article. However, they can be summed up in two general objectives:

1.     Changing an unwanted situation by creating a collective mindset through which the public can unite to take a stand on social or political issues and create social movements.

2.     Creating a positive mental image for the brand or company in the public’s mind.

Introduction on how social media influences public opinion

After the technological revolution dominated the world and changed our lifestyle and way of exchanging knowledge, social media became the most significant influence on public opinion.

A person’s awareness, personality, and thinking pattern are shaped by what they acquire from the behaviors and information present in their surrounding environment. That environment includes; family, friends, school, places of worship, religious practices, and any other place or means they can interact with others and learn from. That can happen through face-to-face communication or any cultural or artistic forms such as; books, music, or movies.  

With the advent of the internet and social media, they have become a major component of the environment that constitutes and affects human awareness, inclinations, opinions, and even behaviors. It has also become the easiest way to communicate with different people from all over the world, access information from various sources in the easiest and fastest way, and learn the diverse ideologies of different cultures. That is how social media influences public opinion and moves the audience towards the desired behavior.

What impact does social media have on society exactly, may you ask?

The role of social media in public opinion has been profound and evident since it started gaining attention and attracting interest years ago. In many countries, including Egypt, especially after the 2011 revolution, the understanding of the importance of social media has been increasing each day.

As mentioned by Lamia Kamel in CC Plus, the new generation recognized that social media platforms are not just made for entertainment; they also have a crucial role in helping the uprise of social movements, leading them to achieve their goals and changing political views. That forced people with authority to also believe in the power of the double-edged sword that is social media.

Social media: the new replacement for public platforms

Social networks are tools used to reach and influence the public sphere. A public sphere consists of a group of citizens who gather and discuss different matters. That can happen through various platforms, including; cafes, public places, clubs, etc. 

However, with the advent of social media, it has become an invaluable addition if not the perfect replacement for the traditional platforms.