How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics?

How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics?

Author: Liam Heffernan April 1, 2025 Duration: 45:12
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? And ultimately, how has the internet changed American politics?

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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.

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Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we explored the complex relationship between technology and politics, particularly focusing on social media's influence in shaping political narratives and public opinion.
  • Jennifer Stroma Galley shared insights on how social media platforms, especially during election cycles, have become battlegrounds for misinformation and targeted political advertising.
  • We discussed the impact of tech giants like Elon Musk and their affiliations with political candidates, raising questions about the ethical implications of such relationships.
  • The episode delves into the evolution of political fundraising through social media, highlighting how candidates like Trump have mastered the art of leveraging online platforms for financial support.
  • We highlighted the importance of media literacy in today's information age, as the cacophony of voices online makes it challenging for individuals to discern fact from fiction.
  • Listeners were reminded that while social media can empower grassroots movements, it also poses risks of misinformation and ideological echo chambers that can threaten democratic processes

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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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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.
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