Final answer:
The phenomenon called conferral of status occurs when media coverage inflates the perceived importance of individuals or issues. Media acts as an agent of political socialization and can impact public perceptions through framing and focusing on certain topics or individuals. The correct answer is option 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a large amount of media coverage makes individuals seem important, the phenomenon that has occurred is referred to as conferral of status. This concept is related to the agent of political socialization role of the media, where media influence extends to shaping perceptions of the importance and credibility of individuals and issues based on the extent and nature of coverage they receive.
Media outlets act as gatekeepers that can frame issues, events, and people in certain ways, thus impacting public opinion. An example of this is the coverage of political candidates, where an increased amount of media attention can lead to a bandwagon effect, surfacing candidates who poll high and giving them seemingly more importance in the public eye.