The Influence of Media on Public Opinion - Taking Internet Rumor Propagation as an Example

Abstract

With the vigorous development of social media, the Internet has become the hardest-hit area for rumor propagation. Various unaudited remarks released by the public or the media can easily lead to serious public opinion crises. Therefore, it is very important to explore the causes of rumor generation, communication, and solutions. Based on the case of Internet rumor propagation of the 2018 Chongqing Bus falling into the river, this paper analyzes the rumor propagation of the incident from the perspective of the media and the public and the aspects of the " third-person effect", "stereotype", "spiral of silence", visual images and more. Research has found that the media plays a very important role in the process of rumor spreading, especially the official media, because they usually have significant authority and trust among the public. The public's subjective reactions, such as emotional reactions and stereotypes, also lead to their inability to analyze rumors objectively. Rational speech cannot be spread in this public opinion crisis because it is emotionally opposed and attacked by most people. Therefore, the mainstream media should standardize their behavior and responsibilities and pay attention to the authenticity of the news. The public should also enhance their discrimination ability and avoid the deterioration of the public opinion environment