Final answer:
Citizens today have a wealth of information sources ranging from print media to the Internet, which drastically contrasts with the early United States where newspapers were a key source. Increased use of online and digital sources has led to less reliance on traditional media, altering the way news is affecting political communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
How citizens stay informed today compared to the early days of the United States has evolved dramatically due to technological advances and changes in media landscape. In the past, print media played a predominant role with newspapers being one of the few sources of news, which relied on high literacy rates and a desire for self-governance for its spread and impact.
Fast forward to today, we have a myriad of news mediums including radio, television, and the Internet, with online and digital sources seeing a significant increase in use. According to the Pew Research Center for People and the Press, the consumption of news via smartphones and tablets has grown, affecting how less people are turning to traditional print news media, and even radio and television.
The convenience of getting news in real-time through social media, blogs, and other online platforms has led to a situation of information saturation, where citizens are so inundated with information that it can lead to news fatigue or skepticism regarding politics.
The options that technology affords allow people to find more information more easily than any previous generation. Despite the overwhelming choices, this explosion of information sources has changed how public figures, including presidents, communicate with the public, as traditional avenues like.
The State of the Union address have seen decreased viewership. As such, the role of news media in structuring and shaping narratives about U.S. politics is also transforming, leading to a world where there are almost too many choices in obtaining information about the world's events.