Blog Prompt #5: Polarization
Due to "newer formats," I do believe that there has been a breakdown of dialogue and mutual respect across America. Everyone has developed this mindset of their opinion being the correct one and everyone else's is wrong. They forget that not everyone sees things the same way and a mutual respect in certain viewpoints should be granted to everyone, but because of the "newer formats," this genuine quality seems to be lacking. However, this negative creates a positive from these "newer formats."
Although the "newer formats" have created disrespect in the political world, they have helped increase audience engagement. I think people feel more comfortable expressing their opinions in these types of formats because they are much more casual, which connects back to the idea of mutual respect because disrespect tends to stem from being comfortable and confident with oneself. People gain more confidence when they feel like they are talking with a "group" of friends, which is what I think these "newer formats" feel like. They also become more knowledgable about the political world because they are actively engaging in the conversations and expressing their viewpoints. Interest and knowledge could go hand in hand.
Although the "newer formats" have created disrespect in the political world, they have helped increase audience engagement. I think people feel more comfortable expressing their opinions in these types of formats because they are much more casual, which connects back to the idea of mutual respect because disrespect tends to stem from being comfortable and confident with oneself. People gain more confidence when they feel like they are talking with a "group" of friends, which is what I think these "newer formats" feel like. They also become more knowledgable about the political world because they are actively engaging in the conversations and expressing their viewpoints. Interest and knowledge could go hand in hand.
Interesting point. It had not occurred to me that polarized and partisan media -- blogs, FB-- might encourage people to express themselves simply because on such platforms a speaker/writer can be more confident of finding agreement. We know people will censor themselves if they think their views are unpopular or will encounter opposition. Makes sense.
ReplyDelete