Question

How does the concept of selective exposure affect the development of a citizen’s point of view on political issues?

Selective exposure occurs when viewers are only able to access media outlets that are biased in favor of one political viewpoint.
Selective exposure leads to greater diversity in political opinions, as the public is exposed to increasingly diverse news coverage.
Selective exposure may lead to increased political polarization, as the reemergence of partisan news outlets allows viewers to choose to hear their preferred biases.
Selective exposure increases public disengagement with the democratic process, as viewers become disenchanted with partisan news outlets.

Answer 1

Selective exposure may increase political polarization by allowing citizens to consume media that confirms their existing political views, potentially leading to a homogenized opinion within groups and a more polarized public.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of selective exposure affects a citizen's point of view on political issues by potentially leading to increased political polarization. This happens because selective exposure allows individuals to consume media that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, avoiding conflicting information. For example, staunch Republicans might predominantly consume content from Fox News, while Democrats may prefer MSNBC. This self-selection can limit exposure to diverse viewpoints and reinforce existing opinions, leading to a more polarized public.

Technology has greatly contributed to this phenomenon. With the advent of cable TV in the 1980s and the expansion of the internet in the 2000s, media consumers have been presented with more choices than ever before. The ease of accessing information inline with one's beliefs can result in media bias and framing effects, where issues are presented in a way that sways public opinion by highlighting certain aspects while omitting others. Ultimately, media coverage plays a crucial role in shaping how Americans perceive their world and define salience, affecting their political knowledge and attitudes. In effect, selective exposure may lead to echo chambers where citizens are rarely challenged by opposing viewpoints, potentially decreasing the likelihood of informed and balanced political discourse.