Shaping Public Opinion Research Articles

Feature Selection and Performance Evaluation of Buzzer Classification Model

In the rapidly evolving digital age, social media platforms have transformed into battleground for shaping public opinion. Among these platforms, X has been particularly susceptible to the phenomenon of 'buzzers', paid or coordinated actors who manipulate online discussions and influence public sentiment. This manipulation poses significant challenges for users, researchers, and policymakers alike, necessitating robust detection measures and strategic feature selection for accurate classification models. This research explores the utilization of various feature selection techniques to identify the most influential features among the 24 features employed in the classification modeling using Support Vector Machine. This study found that selecting 11 key features yields a remarkably effective classification model, achieving an impressive F1-score of 87.54 in distinguishing between buzzer and non-buzzer accounts. These results suggest that focusing on the relevant features can improve the accuracy and efficiency of buzzer detection models. By providing a more robust and adaptable solution to buzzer detection, our research has the potential to advance social media research and policy. This enabling researchers and policymakers to devise strategies aimed at mitigating misinformation dissemination and cultivating an environment of trust and integrity within social media platforms, thus fostering healthier online interactions and discourse.

Rhetorical Persuasion in Sara Duterte’s Basic Education Curriculum Advocacy: A Sociopragmatic Analysis

This study aimed to describe the pragmatic features of Sara Duterte's advocacies regarding the Basic Education Curriculum in the Philippines. The research data, gathered from 2022 to 2023 during Duterte's tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education, included an interview and speeches totaling 5 hours and 16 minutes. Using dimensions of pragmatics, including presupposition (Stalnaker, 1973), implicature (Grice, 1975), felicity conditions (Searle, 1969), and politeness strategies (Brown & Levinson, 1987), the analysis revealed several key findings. The presuppositions identified included learner success and employability, inclusive education, a supportive learning environment, teacher support and development, education system improvement, and learner values and development. Implicatures conveyed messages of resiliency, heroic qualities, perseverance, and involvement beyond education. The illocutionary forces identified were assertives, directives, and commissives, each examined for adherence to the conditions necessary for their validity. Additionally, Duterte strategically employed politeness strategies such as positive politeness, negative politeness, bald-on-record, and off-record strategies. These findings offer a deeper understanding of how political figures strategically use language to shape public opinion and policy agendas, particularly in critical areas such as education. By comprehending the pragmatic underpinnings of political discourse, stakeholders can better discern the intentions and potential impacts of such advocacies, facilitating informed decision-making and societal progress.

FROM JOKE TO JOURNALISM: THE EVOLUTION OF MEMES IN MASS COMMUNICATION

The emergence of memes as a prevalent form of communication in the digital age has transformed them from simple humor to influential tools shaping public opinion and societal dynamics. This study tracks memes' evolution from fundamental humor to political discourse and social mobilization in mass media. The study uses theoretical frameworks to trace memes' progression from amusing content to a major form of visual communication in the digital age. The study shows that memes have gone from amusing diversions to shaping public opinion. Mass communication relies on memes to influence public opinion, social awareness, and political outcomes. The paper discusses how memes have disrupted journalism and allowed anyone to participate in public debate through satire and critique. The study also examines the ethical issues surrounding memes in mass communication, shedding light on their potential effects. This research sheds light on the significant role memes play in shaping public discourse, influencing beliefs, and engaging diverse audiences in discussions about social and political issues . By exploring the evolution of memes in mass communication, this study highlights their potential to disrupt journalism, spark public debate, and raise ethical considerations.

The Geopolitics of Disinformation: Worldviews, Media Consumption and the Adoption of Global Strategic Disinformation Narratives

Abstract Concerns over the existence of a global “information disorder” marked by the contamination of the public sphere with deception campaigns have grown in recent years. This “disorder” has domestic and international dimensions, with multiple state actors standing accused of malicious influence abroad. Previous research, focused on the Global North, has neglected the potential role of anti-colonial and anti-imperialist sentiments in shaping public opinion in the Global South, where problems with foreign influence operations have persisted for decades. Using survey data (N = 4,613) collected in Angola, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Zambia in late 2022, this paper addresses this knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between individuals’ worldviews and news consumption, and their support of strategic disinformation narratives favored by Russia and China, both of which have been active in trying to use the news media to influence public opinion. At a country level, we find that support for these narratives is most pronounced in Ethiopia and South Africa, while at an individual level, we find limited evidence that news consumption is connected to the adoption of these narratives. In discussing these findings, we argue that African public opinion is simultaneously shaped by global, geopolitical shifts and domestic, and local contestations.

Can Bookstagrammers Make a Book More Recognizable? The Case of “Bookstagram Tour” in Romania

An essential element of everyday is the digital presence of consumers in the Internet marketplaces. Moreover, social media platforms are becoming an important part of 21st century commerce and mark a modern way of doing business. Thus, being in a world that is evolving in terms of social media and digital marketing, this article delves into the significant impact of Bookstagram influencers on the visibility and popularity of books. In other words, this article aims to take a close look at the “Bookstagram Tour” phenomenon in Romania, analyzing how bookstagrammers can increase the recognition of a book through their platforms. Starting from an exploratory-descriptive research, we highlight the examination of interactions, post likes and engagement metrics of posts related to a specific online book tour. The study aims to quantify the influence of bookstagrammers in promoting literary content, marking that such a promotion technique succeeds, both in the short and long term, in strengthening the relationship between influencer and consumer and increasing the number of digital interactions. This exploration is key to understanding the changing dynamics of book marketing and readership in the social media age, where influencers hold substantial power in shaping public opinion and determining trends in the literary world.

“Not Even Hell Must Look like This”—Print Media Narratives about the October 2017 Wildfires in Portuguese Public-Managed Forests

The unprecedented wildfires of 2017 in Portugal, particularly affecting the Centre Region, resulted in more than 100 deaths and numerous other dramatic socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Due to the unparalleled magnitude of these events, the extent of the burned area, and the catastrophic consequences, forest and fire management were placed at the center stage of public and political concerns, receiving wide mass media attention and amplification likely to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions. Through a quasi-qualitative content analysis approach, this article focuses on the media narratives conveyed by the news issued over two years (N = 1056) by eight newspapers of different periodicities and geographical scopes regarding the wildfires of October 2017 in the Matas do Litoral—coastal public-managed forest areas located in the Centre Region of Portugal. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: the agents and actors mentioned and their power-related positions, the geographical coverage of the newspapers, and the relevance ascribed to emotions and feelings in the media narratives about the wildfires. The results demonstrate the relevance attributed in media narratives to the views of institutional agents and the negligence of local people’s voices. When particularly highlighting the material impacts of the wildfires, media narratives tended to focus less on people’s emotions and other non-tangible issues. The variation in these narratives according to the geographical scope of the newspapers and the publication time of the news strongly points out the need to address the heterogeneous character of the media coverage of wildfires.

UKRAINIAN MEDIA ON HUNGARY'S PRESIDENCY OF THE EU COUNCIL

This article examines the reaction and coverage by Ukrainian media of Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The aim of the article is to analyze and systematize the approaches of Ukrainian media to covering Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, assess their impact on shaping public opinion in Ukraine on this issue, and explore how the media interpret the potential consequences of the Hungarian presidency for Ukraine's European integration aspirations and its support from the EU in the context of Russian aggression. The relevance of the topic is due to the complex Ukrainian-Hungarian relations and Hungary's ambiguous position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, which causes concern in Ukrainian society and media space. The paper analyzes key aspects of this topic's coverage by leading Ukrainian media, including news portals, analytical publications, and television channels. Special attention is paid to how the media interpret the potential impact of the Hungarian presidency on EU support for Ukraine and Ukraine's European integration process. The study reveals that Ukrainian media demonstrate a balanced but vigilant approach to covering this topic. They carefully analyze statements and actions of the Hungarian government, especially regarding issues related to Ukraine. The media also focus on possible contradictions between the official EU position and Hungary's position on supporting Ukraine. The article also examines how Ukrainian media involve expert assessments for deeper analysis of the situation and its potential consequences. It highlights the media's role in shaping public opinion on this issue and their contribution to understanding complex geopolitical processes. Special attention is paid to how Ukrainian media cover this issue in the context of ongoing Russian aggression, which adds particular urgency to the discussion. It analyzes how media balance between the need for objective coverage and a patriotic position in wartime conditions. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the important role of Ukrainian media in shaping public discourse on international politics and Ukraine's European integration processes. It stresses the need for further development of a critical and analytical approach in media to ensure full and objective information to society about complex international relations and their impact on Ukraine.

Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion Roles and Impact: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review examines the impact of social media on public opinion and its implications for policy-making. Utilising the PRISMA framework, the study analysed 19 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases published between 2013-2023. The review identified five main categories of social media platforms discussed; Twitter/X, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), YouTube, Chinese apps (Sina Weibo, WeChat, QQ), and several unspecified platforms. Key themes emerged across these categories, including the role of social media in knowledge dissemination, creation of filter bubbles and echo chambers, amplification of diverse voices, and spread of misinformation. The findings highlighted social media potential for real-time public opinion monitoring, facilitating engagement between policymakers and citizens, and early identification of emerging issues. However, challenges such as information credibility and algorithmic curation of content were also noted. The review suggests that strategic use of social media can raise awareness and mobilise support for global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasises the need for policymakers to understand and leverage social media's influence on public sentiment while addressing associated risks. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how different social media platforms shape public discourse and influence policy decisions in the digital age. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the complex dynamics between social media, public opinion, and governance in an evolving technological landscape. Keywords: Social media impact, public opinion formation, digital policymaking, online political discourse, civic engagement.

Public Relations and LGBTQ+ Equality Issues: Supporting the Rights and Representation of the LGBTQ+ Community in Media and Society

The function of Public Relations is very important in shaping public opinion, especially regarding sensitive issues such as LGBTQ+ equality. Since the representation and rights of the LGBTQ+ community are often still limited and biased in the media and society, it is important to examine further how public Relations can support advocacy for these communities. This study aims to investigate Public Relations strategies and actions that support LGBTQ+ equality and assess how effective they are in increasing the positive image of the LGBTQ+ community in the media and general public. This research focuses on identifying Public Relations actions that assist in accepting and respecting LGBTQ+ rights. The research methods used are quantitative and qualitative. This method was chosen for data collection and analysis involving interviews, media content analysis related to the LGBTQ+ equality campaign, and surveys regarding public perceptions of the campaign. The results of this research show that inclusive and educational communication strategies from Public Relations can increase awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues. Campaigns that highlight personal stories, collaborations with influencers, and advocacy activities are effective in creating a more inclusive and empathetic dialogue in society. This research concludes that Public Relations plays a crucial role in supporting LGBTQ+ equality through effective and inclusive communication approaches. Strong collaboration between Public Relations practitioners, the media, and the LGBTQ+ community is needed to expand LGBTQ+ representation and rights. Public Relations serves as an important intermediary to promote better understanding and social acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community

Measuring trust in maps: development and evaluation of the MAPTRUST scale

The emergence of deepfake geographies and the growing role that maps play in shaping public opinion on key issues has prompted cartographers to interrogate the concept of map trust. However, this growing area of research is hampered by inconsistent and untested measures of map trust. This study addresses this critical gap by developing and validating a numerical rating scale that exclusively measures map trust. A model of map trust consisting of specific indicators is derived from an exploratory factor analysis. This model is then evaluated using a confirmatory factor analysis. The results indicate that map trust can be explained from a single factor related to veracity and reliability. Two factors pertaining to bias and appearance did not explain enough variance in the model. Findings also suggest that map trust can be measured by having participants evaluate maps according to twelve empirically-derived indicators: accurate, correct, error-free, honest, trustworthy, credible, fair, reliable, reputable, objective, authentic, and balanced. Measurement validity and reliability assessments of this new scale are not only based on theory but are also empirically validated. This scale can be a useful tool for researchers and practitioners alike to measure an individual’s trust in maps.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL CRISES

This article examines the role of social media in the development of political crises and its impact on political processes and public opinion. The introduction describes the significance of social media in the context of political crises, emphasising their ability to quickly disseminate information and shape public opinion. Social media provide a platform for expressing opinions and organising mass actions, making them key players in times of political instability. The examples of the Arab Spring and the Hong Kong protests demonstrate how social media can help mobilise populations and draw international attention to political events. The research methods include content analysis of social media publications and posts related to key political events, as well as analyses of academic publications and reports. It allows the comparison of data from social media with the findings of researchers and experts in the field of media and political science.The results of the study show that social media play a significant role in political crises by influencing public opinion and political processes. The analysis reveals that in times of crisis, social media users' activity increases dramatically, which contributes to radicalisation of sentiments and increased polarisation of society. Social media also prove to be a source of misinformation and propaganda, which can exacerbate a crisis and make it more difficult to resolve.The discussion in the article emphasises the need to develop strategies to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure transparency and credibility of information in social media. This requires co-ordination of efforts between different actors including government agencies, civil society and private companies. The article concludes with the importance of social media in political processes and the need to develop strategies for their effective use in political crises.The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of social media in political crises and presents important findings for understanding their impact on contemporary society and the political landscape.

Polarized framing of scientific uncertainty during COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco

ABSTRACT Examining the representation of COVID-19-related scientific uncertainty in Moroccan media, this paper investigated how legacy and social media’s framing of scientific uncertainty contributed to shaping public opinion regarding public decision-making orientations. For this aim, Al Ouala TV and 2 M TV were selected among traditional media channels for their wide viewership and governmental stance. Additionally, various social media platforms were selected based on their active role in COVID-19 discourse. Using a purposive sampling method, a qualitative analysis was conducted on media coverage of COVID-19, focusing on the framing of uncertainties surrounding virus transmission, face mask usage, and vaccination between March 1, 2020 and July 30, 2022. Drawing on framing theory-based content analysis, the study found that the media framing did not allow for resolving the complexities involved in communicating scientific uncertainty and corresponding public decisions. The active use of social media has actually fostered affective polarization in the related context of fear, worry, and distrust, increasing resistance to public decision-making orientations and negatively impacting perceptions and motivations to respond to COVID-19 measures. Implications for public health communication and policy are discussed.

To Live or Not to Live With It? Examining the Cultivation Effect of State Media on Support for the Zero-COVID Policy

Abstract This study delved into the influential role of state media in shaping public opinion and cultivating policy support. Focusing on the Chinese government’s insistence on the zero-COVID policy, we conducted a nationwide survey (N = 665) to examine the cultivation effect of state media on Chinese people’s support for the zero-COVID policy. We found that the more state media people were exposed to on social media, the more they supported the zero-COVID policy. State media exposure on social media was positively associated with trust in the government and fear of the virus among the audience, both of which mediated the effect of state media exposure on zero-COVID policy support. By applying the cultivation theory, this study contributed to our understanding of public opinion and information manipulation under authoritarian contexts in the digital age.

Influence of Social Media on Court Decisions in Blasphemy Cases

This research aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the influence of social media on judges' decisions in religious blasphemy cases in Indonesia. In the context of the digital era, social media has become the main arena where public opinion is expressed, discussions develop, and information spreads quickly. Cases of religious blasphemy often create waves of controversy and debate on social media, widening their impact in society. This research uses a qualitative approach to analyze how social media influences the judicial process, from its role in shaping public opinion to its possible influence on arguments presented in court. Through analysis of social media content and a study of significant religious blasphemy cases, this research aims to understand the extent to which opinions and pressure generated by social media can influence judges' decisions. It is hoped that the results of the analysis will provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the justice system in facing the pressures and expectations of an increasingly dominant digital space, as well as provide a basis for improving justice policies and practices that are more adaptive to social and digital dynamics.

Analisis Framing Berita Pemilu Capres 2024 di Media Liputan6.com

The purpose of this study is to investigate how social media is used in political contexts, particularly during the Indonesian presidential election of 2024. Social media has grown in importance in people's daily lives in the modern digital age, especially in the political sphere. A notable instance of presidential contenders using social media deliberately to sway voters is the Indonesian presidential election of 2024. Using a qualitative technique and a descriptive research design, this study focuses on the three leading candidates for the presidency of Indonesia in 2024. The data analysis technique used by the researchers is framing analysis. The goal of framing analysis is to ascertain how a media outlet manages the framing of news about, in this case, the Indonesian presidential candidates for 2024. The researchers discover that the media frequently gives more coverage to the front-runner for president after looking at a variety of presidential election stories. The real count results, which show one candidate ahead of the others, clearly demonstrate this. The research's conclusions offer a clearer knowledge of the political application of social media as well as how it affects the public's perception and attitude toward presidential candidates. Additionally, this study provides campaign teams and presidential candidates with information into how important social media tactics are in shaping public opinion.

THE IMPACT OF THE PRINT MEDIA ON VOTER BEHAVIOUR

Print media has long been recognised as a significant influencer of voter behaviour, shaping public opinion through news coverage, editorials and investigative journalism, this paper examines the role of print media in democratic societies, exploring how news papers and magazines impact voter decisions during electoral cycles. The print media not only provides news but also offers interpretations by intellectuals.The print media publish deep analysis of various topics by intellectuals who possess profound knowledge of particular subjects. Through such articles and publications, people gain insights that can influence their thoughts to either support or oppose the government. Through selective reporting and editorial stances, print media can influence voter perceptions and priorities. overall, while the influence of print media has evolved, its role in shaping voter behaviour through information dissemination, agenda setting and opinion formation remains substantial.

Peran Media Sosial dalam Meningkatkan Partisipasi Politik Masyarakat di Desa Candirejo Kecamatan Biru-Biru Kabupaten Deli Serdang

This research discusses the role of social media in increasing community political participation in Candirejo village, Biru Biru subdistrict, Deli Serdang district. Social media is a potential tool for the government to shape public opinion and influence political participation. In the context of a democratic country like Indonesia, public opinion has a crucial role. because it is the basis for government functions, this research uses a qualitative descriptive method, the research stage is carried out by collecting data, interviews, observations and analysis, the results of the research show that social media plays a vital role in political participation and the formation of public opinion in the digital era, with an impact good and bad. Nevertheless, the government needs to monitor political activities in the modern social media era. Social media is not only a communication platform, but also a place for information seeking, discussion and networking. This research aims to find out how social media shapes political participation in society using a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that social media has a significant influence in engaging, connecting, and mobilizing political participation, although the receipt of political information via social media may vary between individuals.

Detecting coordinated and bot-like behavior in Twitter: the Jürgen Conings case

Social media platforms can play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion during times of crisis and controversy. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a large amount of dubious information being shared online. In Belgium, a crisis emerged during the pandemic when a soldier (Jürgen Conings) went missing with stolen weaponry after threatening politicians and virologists. This case created further division and polarization in online discussions. In this paper, we develop a methodology to study the potential of coordinated spread of incorrect information online. We combine network science and content analysis to infer and study the social network of users discussing the case, the news websites shared by those users, and their narratives. Additionally, we examined indications of bots or coordinated behavior among the users. Our findings reveal the presence of distinct communities within the discourse. Major news outlets, conspiracy theory websites, and anti-vax platforms were identified as the primary sources of (dis)information sharing. We also detected potential coordinated behavior and bot activity, indicating possible attempts to manipulate the discourse. We used the rapid semantic similarity network for the analysis of text, but our approach can be extended to the analysis of images, videos, and other types of content. These results provide insights into the role of social media in shaping public opinion during times of crisis and underscore the need for improved strategies to detect and mitigate disinformation campaigns and online discourse manipulation. Our research can aid intelligence community members in identifying and disrupting networks that spread extremist ideologies and false information, thereby promoting a more informed and resilient society.

Research on the Effects of Media on Womens Entrepreneurship

The media is a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and can significantly influence women's entrepreneurial decisions. By portraying women entrepreneurs in a positive and egalitarian light, the media can help eliminate the negative effects of gender bias, thereby enhancing society's perception and evaluation of women entrepreneurs. Therefore, examining the impact of modern media on women entrepreneurs in contemporary society is a complex and significant issue. Focusing on the growing importance of this topic, the paper aims to explore the impact of media coverage on the image and status of women entrepreneurs. The impact is identified through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and media content analysis. It conducts an online questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with 300 women entrepreneurs and 20 women entrepreneurs from different industries. The results showes that over 65% of the respondents believed that media bias had a negative impact on their entrepreneurial spirit, and almost 70% felt that their businesses did not receive fair coverage. The findings confirm that the medias gendered portrayal of women entrepreneurs affects not only public perceptions of their capabilities and potential but also challenges their confidence and willingness to start their own businesses.

How does a focusing event shape public opinion? Natural experimental evidence from the Orlando mass shooting

AbstractPolicy process theories posit that focusing events can trigger significant shifts in public attention and policy preferences, thereby reshaping public agenda setting. Prior studies, however, have not clearly defined the scope of public opinion changes induced by these focusing events, leading to inconsistent empirical findings. This study aims to reconceptualize the multiple layers of public opinion and formulate testable hypotheses to investigate the causal effects of a major focusing event—the 2016 Orlando nightclub mass shooting—on public opinion. Using original and unique survey data collected immediately pre‐ and post‐Orlando shooting, we find that this event significantly heightened public attention to terror‐related issues, particularly armed terror attacks on civilians. This increased attention translated into heightened support for augmented government counterterrorism spending. However, the event did not significantly alter public attention or support for government spending on other terror‐related acts less relevant to the Orlando shooting. Moreover, the event did not change individuals' policy preferences regarding specific policy proposals to address mass shootings. Our study enriches public policy and public opinion research and provides fresh insights into the relationship between focusing events and public agenda setting.