SOCIAL MEDIA'S COURSE IN POLITICS AND TRENDS

Past Decade and Future of Political Media: The dominance of Social Media

1. First, there is a major shift in how and where people get political information, as more people turn to digital sources and abandon television news.

The new media era began with the infotainment trend in the 1980s when television talk shows, radio, and papers took on enhanced political roles. People would grab a newspaper and read them to the last lines. Radio shows would have panels of professionals discussing the political scenario and old men and the bright young lads sitting near the entrance of houses or near tea shops listening to the radio with absolute patience.

2. The emergence of the political "Twitterverse," which has become a locus of communication between politicians, citizens, and the press has coarsened political discourse, fostered "rule by tweet," and advanced the spread of misinformation.

Digital technology first supported platforms where users could access static documents and brochures, but soon hosted sites with interactive features. Now users can react and comment on posted content and interact with fellow users which provides unmatched flexibility and contrary to conventional radio, newspaper and television media now users feel more involved and get the feeling of being a part of the greater group as they can voice their opinions freely. But also like the information now being conveyed via social media channels the spoon-feeding habit of users who earlier used to rely on New anchors analysing the piece of information is giving birth to a major problem of the spread of misinformation. As the sole responsibility of verifying the credibility of the claims made or information conveyed rests with the user.

3. The disappearance of local news outlets and the resulting increase in "news deserts" has allowed social-media messages to become a primary source of information.

In recent years there been a serious distrust among the citizens towards the media houses and the term "Paid Journalism" was born as a result of journalists accepting monetary benefits to deliver favourable news for certain parties.

This distrust paved the way for social media to overtake the print media and television media as the most favoured platform for accessing political information. Not to forget people adopting newer technological advancements also contributing to social media's success. The public gained greater political power through technological affordances that allowed them to react to political events and issues, communicate directly to candidates and political leaders, contribute original news, images, videos, and political content, and engage in political activities, such as working on behalf of candidates, raising funds, and organizing protests.