Shaping Public Opinion Research Articles

Rhetoric-Linguistic Analysis of Argumentation in Political Discourse

This paper delves into the fascinating world of argumentation in language, aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of argumentation strategies utilized in political speeches, to uncover the techniques employed by public figures to persuade, influence, and shape public opinion. This research examines the linguistic and rhetorical devices prominent in political discourse. By dissecting speeches from political contexts, the study reveals how politicians construct and present their arguments to advance their agendas. Through the exploration of persuasive language and emotional appeal, this paper offers insights into the art of rhetoric in the realm of politics. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between language, power, and public discourse, ultimately contributing to a nuanced understanding of the role argumentation plays in shaping political landscapes. The study aims at analyzing how the Toulmin model is used in conjunction with emotional appeal in political speeches, specifying the effect of the social relationships between the speaker and the audience on the way arguments are constructed and presented, and identifying the effects of the goals of the speech on the way arguments are constructed and presented. The data of the study includes YouTube videos of politicians` speeches. The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and analyze the method of arguing that is used, the strategies used to persuade the audience, and the rhetoric used to influence their effectiveness. The findings of the study show that the effectiveness of this arguing act is influenced by a number of factors, including the credibility of the speaker, the strength of the argument, and the social relations and common ground between the participants. The study also finds that emotional appeal is used to sway public opinion and advance political agendas.

DO SOCIAL MEDIA UNDERMINE STRUCTURES? RETHINKING THE STRUCTURE-AGENCY DEBATE

The study reconsiders the structure-agency debate in a world dominated by internetisation and social media. To answer the question of whether social media weaken the structures embedded in societies, four phenomena are analysed: Dissemination and control of information are the main areas of conflict between actors and structures. The cyber public sphere has emerged as social media has become an important medium for shaping public opinion. Cyber activism, which has made important strides in moving political networks into the virtual world, has become an alternative to activism in the physical world. As individuals engage in human relations in virtual world just as in physical world, cyber identity has entered our lives. The study’s main finding is that although structures have developed new strategies and instruments to monitor, control and regulate the cyber world; social media continues to be a ground that increases the capacity of agencies for actors against structures.

Framing Pro-Palestine Protests: A Comparative Analysis of News Coverage by The Guardian and USA Today

This study examines the framing strategies employed by The Guardian and USA Today in their coverage of the pro-Palestine protests in American universities during April and May 2024. Accordingly, the corpus comprises 213 news texts, with The Guardian contributing 106 articles and USA Today contributing 107 articles from April 17 to May 17, 2024. The research identifies and contrasts the dominant frames used by these two newspapers by conducting a framing content analysis on the selected news articles. The Guardian frequently utilizes conflict and adversarial frames, emphasizing university-wide ideological and political struggles. Conversely, USA Today focuses on broader political confrontations and administrative accountability, often highlighting institutional responses and governance issues. The analysis process is guided by framing theory to reveal how news representations influence public perception and interpretation and media agenda-setting theory to explore how media news coverage prioritizes specific issues within the same event. The findings underscore the decisive role of media framing in shaping public opinion and priorities, particularly in the context of global and political issues.

The Role Of The Press In Shaping Public Opinion During The Freedom Struggle

The role of the press during the freedom struggle was instrumental in shaping public opinion and galvanizing the masses against colonial oppression. As India sought independence from British rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, newspapers, journals, and pamphlets emerged as vital tools for disseminating nationalist ideas and fostering political awareness. The press not only reported on events but also provided a platform for political discourse, allowing voices from diverse communities to contribute to the independence narrative. Great figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and other leaders utilized the press to articulate their visions for a free India, framing the struggle in terms of justice and self-determination. Newspapers like "The Hindu," "The Times of India," and "The Tribune" played crucial roles in informing the public about the injustices of colonial rule, inspiring a collective consciousness among various strata of society. Editorials, articles, and letters to the editor encouraged civic engagement and mobilized support for protests, strikes, and other forms of resistance. The press faced significant challenges, including censorship and repression from colonial authorities, which often sought to suppress dissenting voices. Despite these obstacles, many journalists and editors risked their safety to publish revolutionary ideas and expose the realities of British exploitation. This resilience illustrated the press's commitment to truth and justice, fostering an environment where public sentiment could coalesce around the freedom movement. The emergence of vernacular publications further broadened the reach of nationalist sentiments, ensuring that the message of independence resonated across linguistic and cultural divides. These publications played a crucial role in educating the masses and instilling a sense of pride and identity that transcended regional differences. The press was not merely a bystander but a catalyst in the freedom struggle, shaping public opinion and uniting diverse groups against colonial rule. Its influence extended beyond immediate political outcomes, contributing to the formation of a national consciousness that would endure long after independence was achieved. This study highlights the indispensable role of the press in the socio-political landscape of the freedom struggle, illustrating its enduring legacy in contemporary society.

The Role of the North-China Herald in the Anti-Tax Activities of British Businessmen in Shanghai, 1850-1854

Leveraging historical records from the North-China Herald alongside British Parliamentary archives and correspondence from key stakeholders, this article delves into the publication’s influence during the period of the “Shanghai Insurgents (1853-1855, i.e., from Qing Heen-Fung 3rd to 5th year).” Specifically, it investigates the North-China Herald’s involvement in the advocacy efforts of British merchants in Shanghai against taxation policies amid the backdrop of the conflict. Analysis reveals a notable shift: preceding the “Shanghai Insurgents,” British merchants voiced dissent against Qing government tax policies through the North-China Herald; post-war, the newspaper actively championed the grievances of British traders in Shanghai, amplifying their concerns through extensive coverage and commentary. Ultimately, the establishment of the “Office of Inspector of Chinese Customs” marked a significant triumph for the anti-tax activities led by British businessmen in Shanghai, with the North-China Herald in shaping public opinion and influencing policy outcomes.

‘Comrade or coloniser’: Competing discourses on Sino-Zimbabwe relations in the local press

Deploying Michel Foucault’s discourse theory, this article qualitativey explores Sino-Zimbabwe engagements in four Zimbabwe newspapers to shed insights into how these relations are interpreted in a context. How the newspapers discursively constructed Sino-Zimbabwe engagements, the rationale for such constructions, as well as the perceptions of journalists on these engagements are questions at the core of this exploration. The article revealed competing discourses between the state-owned and the privately owned newspapers in relation to China–Zimbabwe engagements. Among the journalists, the study found mixed views, ranging from optimism, scepticism, and pragmatism. Given the polarised media discourses on China–Zimbabwe engagements, and the centrality of the press in shaping public opinion, perceptions and attitudes, Zimbabwean government may face an uphill task in trying to convince their citizens that their relationship is mutually beneficial, while China may face a similar predicament in trying to reduce stereotypes in Africa.

Pragmatic Perception of Sensationalism: A Comparison of British and Malaysian Online Newspapers Headline Constructions

This study examines the pragmatic features of sensationalist headlines in online newspapers, comparing The Times (UK) and The Star (Malaysia) in 2024. Using discourse analysis on 60 headlines, we investigate how sensationalism shapes public opinion in the digital age. The research addresses a gap in cross-cultural analysis of media influence and aims to enhance media literacy. Results indicate that headline writers employ various pragmatic elements, with speech acts being the most prevalent, to convey intended messages and engage readers. Both overt and implicit use of pragmatic features effectively express themes of victory and liberation across both publications. While the study provides insights into pragma-linguistic strategies in sensational headline construction, its limited sample size suggests the need for broader future research. The findings offer valuable insights for media practitioners, researchers, and consumers, highlighting the importance of critical media consumption in an era of increasing sensationalism.

Do voters polarise in response to elite dissensus on immigration?

While much of the existing research on public opinion about immigration focuses on anti-immigrant sentiment, less is known about voter polarisation on this issue and its determinants. This article examines the conditions under which elite polarisation, a factor shown in previous research to shape public opinion on a variety of issues, impacts voter polarisation on immigration. To this end, it employs a two-pronged empirical strategy. First, it exploits variation in individual attitudes and elite stances across countries and over time (2002–2019). Second, it employs individual panel data analyses and an instrumental variable approach, respectively. The results reveal little evidence that voters polarise in response to growing elite dissensus, except after elections with a radical right party breakthrough in the national parliament. Instead, some evidence suggests that elite polarisation may in fact depolarise non-partisan voters in remaining elections. These results have important implications for understanding mass–elite linkages on socio-cultural issues.

Sounding of the idols. Visual deception and religious images in Brazil

This article is a visual analysis of “deceptive religious imagery” employed by the campaign teams of Bolsonaro and Lula during the 2022 Brazilian presidential race with the aim of garnering votes through networked disinformation and covert influence operations. Employing a multimodal analytical approach, the research delves into the intricate interplay between politics and religion, particularly through the lens of online engagement with deceptive imagery. It tracks the dissemination of deceptive religious imagery across digital and physical platforms, melding visual analysis with rigorous fact-checking methodologies. This investigation is based on online and off-line ethnographic visual research. Not only this research let us reassess key concepts like ‘false image’, ‘verification’ or ‘visual myth’ but also allowed us to identify and debunk false imagery propagated online. Drawing upon Mitchell's framework of ‘iconology’, the article advocates for a critical examination of images, underscoring their tangible influence and the imperative to expose and evaluate their falseness in shaping public opinion. The research stresses the significance of understanding the actions and repercussions of religious visual disinformation in the context of the prevalence of post-truth cultures. In sum, this article contributes to our understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding the utilisation of deceptive religious imagery in political campaigns, shedding light on the broader implications for democratic processes and the manipulation of public perception in contemporary socio-political contexts.

‘제주환경보전분담금(관광세)’ 제도 도입과정 분석 : 정책흐름모형(PSM)의 적용

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has been reviewing the introduction of a tourism system related to a Tourism Tax for the environmental conservation of tourist destinations since 2012. However, the system, now referred to as the ‘Environmental Conservation Contribution,’ was ultimately postponed in May 2024 due to legal issues, political interests, negative public opinion regarding the system’s introduction, and a lack of supporting evidence. This study analyzes the process through the application of Kingdon(1984)’s Policy Streams Model(PSM), noting that discussions surrounding the ‘Jeju Environmental Conservation Contribution’, which faced long-standing challenges, did not follow a rational policy process due to differences in stakeholder opinions and the fluid nature of the system’s details. The anaylsis identified two main factors congributing to the difficulty in introducing the Jeju Environmental Conservation Contribution System. First, the window for policy decision-making did not open because the problem stream, policy alternatives stream, and political stream were not aligned, largely due to the insufficient formation of the political stream. Second, the policy leader who held significant influence in aligning these three streams, were unable to strongly lead the introduction of the system to it’s conclusion. Based on the research results, the practical implications of this study are as follows. First, for the successful implementation of the system, political efforts to persuade the public and shape public opinion are essential. Additionally, effective policy PR strategies are needed to foster social consensus through negotiations with multilateral consultative bodies and to enhance public awareness of the system. Second, it suggests that a logical and reasonable design that can change and persuade public perception is necessary when designing policy alternatives. Third, policy leaders should lead changes in the national atmosphere and public opinion formation based on professional knowledge and resources, and combine the three streams of the policy formation process with innovative strategies. The academic contribution of this study is that it lies in its application of empirical research using policy theory in the field of tourism studies, by clearly identifying the complex factors and problems involved in the introduction of the tourism system. Furthermore, this study enhances the clarity and objectivity of the analysis by refining the factors analyzed in the existing Policy Streams Model.

Exploring the Limits of Transgression and Violence within the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

ABSTRACT Transgression and violence, when intertwined, challenge societal norms and provoke moral dilemmas within democratic frameworks. This is particularly evident in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a significant case study for this research. Transgression, breaking or exceeding societal norms, can manifest through civil disobedience or defiant behavior to challenge oppressive systems. Violence, conversely, refers to the deliberate use of physical force or authority to cause harm or destruction. The escalation from transgression to violence occurs when individuals or groups resort to aggression to restore order or assert power. This shift is particularly evident in protests or riots triggered by social injustices or political oppression. Such events can intensify due to radical democratic possibilities and the influence of technology. Digital platforms, with their crucial role in shaping public opinion, mobilizing individuals, and strengthening collective fears about social change, significantly contribute to the escalation of conflict. They also facilitate the production of panic and misinformation, complicating the landscape of public discourse and protest. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deep-rooted historical and political complexities mark the intersection of transgression and violence. Territorial disputes and competing national narratives drive both Israeli and Palestinian actions. Resistance to the Israeli occupation often involves transgressive acts such as protests or violent resistance, while Israeli security measures, perceived as transgressions by Palestinians, exacerbate tensions and contribute to ongoing violence.

Exploring the Role of Short Video Platforms in Guiding Public Opinion in the New Media Era

With the rapid development of short video platforms, they are gradually changing the way information is disseminated and public opinion is guided. To explore the role of short videos in guiding public opinion, this study mainly analyzes data from third-party data platforms and short video media accounts to reveal the mechanism of short videos on the evolution of public opinion. A detailed statistical analysis of the content of relevant videos on the short video platform was conducted, including the number of video views, the number of comments, and their changing trends; An in-depth analysis was conducted on the videos and comments released by self-media and mainstream media. Through content analysis, the study evaluated the communication characteristics of these media in guiding public opinion, including the selective dissemination of information, emotional tendencies, and the shaping of public cognition. The research results show that short video platforms play a significant role in guiding public opinion, and their dissemination characteristics and content selection have a profound impact on the formation and development of public opinion. In particular, self-media and mainstream media play a key role in guiding public opinion. They play a leading role in shaping public opinion through different communication strategies and content presentation.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Kasus Korupsi Syahrul Yasin Limpo di Kompas.com

Corrupt practices in Indonesia are a major problem that causes financial losses andundermines public trust in government and justice system. This phenomenon has become a widespreadsince pre independence till Reformasi era, and involves various levels of government. The mass mediaplays an important role in publicizing corruption cases, shaping public opinion, and influencing the political agenda. This study aims to analyze the framing of the news coverage of the Syahrul Yasin Limpo corruption case by Kompas.com from February 29 to May 10, 2024. The framing analysis method is used to observe how the media shapes reality and presents news, as well as identify power dynamics and relationships between the parties involved. The results of the study show that Kompas.com focus on certain aspects that affect the public's view of the case. This study provides an understanding of the influence of media framing on public perception of corruption cases in Indonesia.Keywords: Analysis of Framing, Kompas.com, Corruption, Mass Media, Syahrul Yasin Limpo

Analysis Of Political Communication Ahead Of The 2024 Presidential Election Case Studies On Political Campaigns, Political Propaganda, Public Opinion, Marketing, Political Advertising, And Political Negotiation

The 2024 presidential election is an important moment in the political life of a country. This study aims to analyze the role of various aspects of political communsication in the presidential election, including political campaigns, political propaganda, public opinion, political marketing and advertising, and political negotiations. The research methodology uses a holistic approach with quantitative and qualitative data collection through online surveys, interviews, and media content analysis. Key findings highlight the significance of social media in shaping public opinion and the political communication strategies used by candidates. Practical implications of these findings include recommendations for more effective political campaign strategies and the development of more transparent communication policies.

Revisiting inter‐Korean events and South Koreans’ perception on unification

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to examine how inter‐Korean events influence South Korean public opinion on unification. It seeks to understand the impact of various political events, including South‐North contacts and North Korean nuclear provocations, on South Koreans' attitudes towards unification.MethodsUsing annual survey data from the Institute for Peace and Unification Studies at Seoul National University (IPUS), this study creates a novel time‐series dataset spanning from 2007 to 2021. We test how each of the inter‐Korean political events affects support for unification and how key individual dispositions moderate the level of support.ResultsThe empirical findings reveal that inter‐Korean summits and family reunions positively affect unification sentiment, with family reunions showing surprisingly stronger impacts than inter‐Korean summits. Regarding North Korea's provocations, nuclear tests negatively influence public support for unification, while ballistic missile launches do not significantly impact unification sentiment, likely due to public habituation.ConclusionThis study contributes to existing literature by providing new empirical insights into the relationship between inter‐Korean political events and public opinion. The findings suggest that policymakers should focus on strategic short‐term initiatives, particularly increasing inter‐Korean contacts, to foster long‐term positive sentiment towards unification. However, it's important to note that individual variables become more influential in shaping public opinion over the long term.

Intra-Executive Dynamics and Presidential Popularity in Semi-Presidential Regimes

In semi-presidential regimes presidents need to strike a balance between representing the nation and sharing power with prime ministers. The coexistence of the executives may pose challenges to the presidents, but it could also strengthen their public standing. Yet we lack information on how party-political shifts and clashes between the executives shape public opinion on presidents. Covering the period 2000–2020 and including presidents from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Poland and Portugal, this article reveals that presidential popularity is influenced by the political weakness of the government, as both weak and strong presidents’ popularity ratings increased during minority governments, and by the constitutional strength of the presidency, as people seem to tolerate more confrontational involvement mostly from those presidents with stronger constitutional powers. The impact of cohabitation, in turn, appears to be more context-specific, sometimes benefitting the president’s public standing, while at other times harming it. The results thus suggest that being politically opposed to the government may boost the president’s political capital, but only under certain circumstances.

Sentiment Analysis of Arabic Tweets: Detecting Revilement

Social media systems play an necessary function in shaping public opinion and reflecting societal sentiments. This study focuses on sentiment analysis in Arabic tweets with a particular focus on offensive or offensive content. The aim of this research is to boost a dependable sentiment evaluation model that can accurately classify Arabic tweets as positive or negative, with a particular focus on identifying offensive language. A multinomial Naive Bayes classifier is trained on pre-processed data to perform sentiment classification. The classifier is fine-tuned to differentiate between positive and negative emotions, with a particular focus on identifying offensive or swearing language. The model is evaluated the usage of a complete set of metrics along with precision, precision, recall, and F1score. Experimental consequences point out promising overall performance of the developed sentiment evaluation model. The model achieved an accuracy of 93%, effectively classifying Arabic tweets into effective and bad sentiments. The precision, recall, and F1-score metrics similarly validate the model's capacity to precisely become aware of revilement and offensive language. These outcomes spotlight the conceivable of the proposed strategy in successfully examining Arabic tweets for sentiment and offensive content, contributing to higher grasp on line behaviors and sentiments in the context of revilement.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional vs. Digital Media Platforms

This study examines the role of social media in shaping public opinion, contrasting it with traditional media platforms through a qualitative literature review. As digital media becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding its impact on public discourse is essential. The research highlights the unique attributes of social media, including interactivity, immediacy, and user-generated content, which differentiate it from traditional media formats such as television, radio, and print. By synthesizing findings from a variety of scholarly articles, this study identifies key themes regarding how social media influences public perception, mobilizes communities, and facilitates the spread of information. Furthermore, the analysis reveals significant challenges, including the prevalence of misinformation and echo chambers, which can distort public opinion and polarize discourse. The results indicate that while social media offers opportunities for broader engagement and diverse perspectives, it also necessitates critical literacy among users to navigate the complexities of digital information landscapes. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on media studies by providing a comprehensive overview of the comparative effects of traditional and digital media platforms on public opinion formation. The findings underscore the need for further research into the ethical implications of social media usage and its potential to shape democratic processes.

Factors of the growing role of mass communication as a tool for shaping political consciousness in the modern world

The article is dedicated to the study of the factors contributing to the increasing influence of mass media on the formation of political consciousness in modern society. In the context of globalization and digitalization, mass media have become key instruments in shaping public opinion, political preferences, and mobilizing various forms of socio-political activity. The paper analyzes the key technological, sociocultural, political, and economic factors that directly or indirectly determine the influence of mass media on political processes and societal consciousness. Special attention is given to the role of algorithms in the selection and presentation of information, including the impact of external factors on content, as well as challenges related to the spread of disinformation and manipulative technologies. The article also explores the phenomenon of the mediatization of politics and the self-referential nature of mass media, which contribute to the formation of a specific public space and changes in political communication. The problems of global media influence, which tend to unify information flows and blur cultural and political differences between countries, are also analyzed. The conclusions emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency, independence, and diversity of mass media to support democratic processes, strengthen civil society, and prevent information manipulation in the modern world.

Understanding public opinion formation in Southeast Europe: Exploring social forces and communication dynamics

The article investigates the mechanisms through which social forces, networks, cognitive frames, and institutions shape public opinion in Southeast Europe via communication. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through synchronous focus groups conducted in six Southeast European countries. The findings reveal that social networks play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, with organizational position and relationships influencing communication effectiveness. Cognitive frames significantly impact public perception, with entrenched beliefs guiding interpretation of information. Meanwhile, social institutions, such as language and communication rules, influence the clarity and accessibility of messages, thereby shaping public understanding. The research underscores the need for deeper research, ethical standards, and transparent communication to build and maintain public trust. Continuous engagement with the public and adaptability in communication strategies are essential for fostering mutual understanding and trust. This research emphasizes social forces’ complexity and overlapping nature in shaping public opinion and the strategic approaches required for effective communication in Southeast Europe.