Question

Barack Obama was the first candidate to fully use social media during his run for the presidency. It allowed him to reach the public in a more direct way. Why would this be helpful to candidates?

It would prevent mass media from fulfilling the role of watchdog.
It would help candidates avoid the gatekeeping function in mass media.
It would prevent the media from selecting stories and setting political agendas.
It would help candidates block reporters from criticizing their campaigns.

Answer 1

Using social media during a political campaign can be helpful to candidates because it allows them to reach the public in a more direct way, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and the potential for bias or selective coverage. This can help candidates to control their own message and connect with voters on a more personal level. Therefore, the correct answer is B. It would help candidates avoid the gatekeeping function in mass media.