Routledge Democracy in the Disinformation Age: Influence and Activism in American Politics

In this book established researchers draw on a range of theoretical and empirical perspectives to examine social media’s impact on American politics. Chapters critically examine activism in the digital age, fake news, online influence, messaging tactics, news transparency and authentication, consumers’ digital habits and ultimately the societal impacts that continue to be created by combining social media and politics. Through this book readers will better understand and approach with questions such as: • How exactly and why did social media become a powerful factor in politics? • What responsibilities do social networks have in the proliferation of factually wrong and hate-filled messages? Or should individuals be held accountable? • What are the state-of-the-art of computational techniques for measuring and determining social media's impact on society? • What role does online activism play in today’s political arena? • What does the potent combination of social media and politics truly mean for the future of democracy? The insights and debates found herein provide a stronger understanding of the core issues and steer us toward improved curriculum and research aimed at a better democracy. Democracy in the Disinformation Age: Influence and Activism in American Politics will appeal to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academics with an interest in areas including political science, media studies, mass communication, PR, and journalism. Review "From filter bubbles to trolls, and election fraud to misinformation, perhaps never before have our classrooms and workspaces needed to address and consider the central role of social media in our world. This text provides an invaluable and timely collection from thought leaders and social scientists with the aim of providing a foundation for the critical analysis of the ever-evolving and disruptive role of digital communication in democracy. Addressing key dialogue in the public sphere the research provides educators, scholars, and students an empirically driven resource for the discussions we should be having about the path forward and the role we all play." Geah Pressgrove, Associate Professor, West Virginia University "This volume offers a fresh take on a seminal topic – how social media platforms navigate their emerging and conflicting roles as both venues of social activism and hotbeds of false information. The book offers critical insights into the impact of social media on today’s American democracy." Gina M. Masullo, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin "Disinformation and propaganda have a long history in the field of communication research, and social media is the latest tool to present an opportunity for political operatives and malicious actors alike to shape public opinion to meet their respective needs. Democracy in the Disinformation Age: Influence and Activism in American Politics is a timely and essential text that brings together notable theorists and scholars currently engaged in the study of the impact of social media and disinformation on modern political communication. These contributors present critical conversations about the impact of social media on American political discourse, and its study. In the course of discussing the impact of social media sites and the responsibilities of those companies in re-shaping political discourse, the contributors also offer insights on how best to study this impact and what lies ahead for communication theorists, political and strategic communication scholars, and educators in our discipline." Christopher J. McCollough, Associate Professor, Jacksonville State University About the Author Regina Luttrell is Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activities and Assistant Professor of public relations at Syracuse University within the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications  where she researches, publishes and discusses public relations, social media for s