BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy?

BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy?

Author: Liam Heffernan April 12, 2025 Duration: 17:09
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit.

They contemplate whether social media is merely a tool for political communication, or if it has morphed into something far more complex, shaping narratives and influencing outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In today's episode, we dove deep into how social media, especially platforms like Reddit and TikTok, has reshaped the way we consume news and engage in political discourse.
  • We discussed how Trump and Musk are leveraging social media to influence American politics, creating both opportunities and concerns for democracy.
  • Reddit's unique community-focused nature allows for more extensive discussions, setting it apart from quicker, more superficial platforms like Twitter.
  • We also touched on the impact of campaign financing in politics, highlighting how money matters more than ever in shaping electoral outcomes and candidate viability.

...

Additional Resources:

Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley

Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University

Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News

12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them?

Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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