How often have you checked a product or service after coming through them on social media platforms? At least once in your life, right? This is the impact of social media in shaping public discourse. As we consume one or the other form of content from social media, they shape how we view the world around us.

Social media has been utilized as a potent tool by politicians, marketers, businesses, companies, and even people to achieve their aims once it became clear that social media has the most impact on public opinion of any type of media.

Global social media usage is anticipated to reach 4.89 billion people by 2023. Every month, the average user switches between seven distinct social networks. Internet users now spend an average of 151 minutes daily on social media, more than ever before.

As we will discuss in more detail in this essay, social media usage in public opinion has a wide range of goals that vary depending on the situation. However, they can be categorized into two broad goals:

1. Changing an undesirable condition by fostering a communal mindset that would enable the populace to band together to voice their opinions on social or political issues and launch social movements
2. Developing a favorable perception of the brand or business in the public’s mind.

Over 75% of the world’s population uses social media, what does this mean?

Since social media first gained popularity and interest years ago, its influence on public opinion has been profound and obvious. The understanding of social media’s significance has been growing daily in numerous nations, including Egypt, particularly since the 2011 revolution.

According to Lamia Kamel in CC Plus, the younger generation realized that social media platforms weren’t just created for amusement but also played a significant part in the emergence of social movements, helping them to accomplish their objectives and shift political perspectives. That compelled many in positions of power to accept the legitimacy of social media’s dubious influence.

Is social media, the new Gen platform for public opinion?

Social networks are instruments for communicating with and influencing the general population. The public sphere is made up of a gathering of persons who engage in discourse on various topics. Numerous venues, such as cafes, public spaces, clubs, etc., can facilitate that.

Social media, however, has emerged as a significant supplement to established platforms, if not a perfect substitute.

According to Hubspot, 90% of consumers initiate purchases from the companies they follow on social media. However, social media’s impact on brand building is now more nuanced than it formerly was. The way that individuals connect with companies on social media has changed as a result of brand saturation, creator communities, and other factors. With a fantastic logo, an original copy, and a beautiful color scheme, you can’t just create a brand. Today’s audiences are seeking something more.

How does social media shape public opinion and discourse?

The way individuals consume and interact with information has been revolutionized by social media, which has emerged as a potent force in influencing conversation and public opinion. Thanks to the growth of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, people can now share their content, voice their thoughts, and participate in discussions on a worldwide level. Following are some examples of how social media affects public opinion:

1. Distribution of information: Social media platforms offer a quick and convenient way for news to be shared, enabling people to express their ideas and thoughts to a large audience. 55% of American adults, with Facebook being the most popular platform, get news through social media, according to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Centre.
2. Voice amplification: Through social media, marginalized people and groups can raise their voices and take part in public dialogue. It has made it possible for marginalized populations to voice their concerns and push for change through social movements like #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and climate activism.
3. Filter bubbles and echo chambers: On the other hand, social media can also aid in the development of filter bubbles and echo chambers, in which users are predominantly exposed to content that supports their preexisting opinions and values. This could result in polarised public conversation since it might reinforce preexisting beliefs and limit exposure to opposing viewpoints.
4. Viral trends and incorrect information: Social media has the ability to quickly disseminate information, both true and wrong. Misinformation and disinformation may spread like wildfire, swaying public opinion and fueling rumors and conspiracies. According to a 2018 study reported in Science, misleading information spreads on social media much more quickly than accurate information.

What are the benefits and risks of social media in public discourse?

Social media has improved public conversation in many ways, but there are also hazards and difficulties that need to be considered. Let’s examine both the advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits:

1. Greater accessibility: Regardless of one’s background or location, social media platforms offer a level playing field for people to voice their thoughts and participate in public conversation. A wider range of voices may now participate in public discourse due to accessibility improvements.
2. Quick information dissemination: Social media makes it possible for news, updates, and information to spread quickly, making it simpler for users to keep current on events and participate in debates. When there is an emergency or a crisis, this quickness can be especially important.
3. Involvement and mobilization: Social media platforms enable to mobilize communities and like-minded individuals to work together for a similar goal. As a result, there has been a rise in activity, civic involvement, and the capacity to plan demonstrations and protests.

Risks:

1. Misinformation spread: The quick diffusion of information on social media can result in the spread of incorrect or deceptive content, undermining legitimate sources of information and undermining public dialogue. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study found that bogus news reports have a 70% higher chance of being retweeted than real ones.
2. Digital toxicity and harassment: Social media platforms can serve as a breeding ground for toxic behavior, hate speech, and online harassment. The Pew Research Centre found that 41% of American people have engaged in some type of online harassment, underscoring the detrimental effects of social media on public dialogue.
3. Polarisation and echo chambers: As was already established, social media can help create echo chambers and filter bubbles, where people are exposed to information that only confirms their preexisting ideas. This can cause division, prevent fruitful conversations, and make it harder to find common ground.

Final Thoughts

Public discourse has been significantly shaped by social media. It has altered the way we obtain and distribute information and provide people and groups a forum on which to voice their opinions and take part in public debates. However, there are no worries regarding the impact of social media on democratic processes and public opinion due to the distribution of false and misleading information on these platforms. It will be crucial for people, organizations, and politicians to assess how social media is influencing public discourse as it develops and to seek to foster more educated and fruitful online debates.