THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING AND CHANGING PUBLIC OPINION

Abstract

In the current digital age, social media has become a crucial tool for communication and information dissemination to large groups of people. The ability to access information quickly and the active participation of users on various platforms have made social media play an important role in shaping and altering public opinion. Through sharing news, opinions, and content that influence public perception and attitudes, social media has a significant impact on society.

          Studies on the role of social media in this area have shown that social media can stimulate conversations and opinions on various issues, affecting changes in beliefs and attitudes, particularly on topics of social, political, and economic importance. Furthermore, the use of hashtags, post sharing, and following news trends help spread people's opinions widely and quickly.

          However, changing opinions through social media can have both positive and negative consequences. While it can promote awareness and public participation on public issues, it can also lead to the spread of misinformation or fake news. Therefore, the use of social media to create and alter public opinion must involve careful consideration of responsibility in information dissemination and the verification of the accuracy of information sources.