Media Influence on Political Attitudes and Behavior

This panel investigates the dynamic role of media in shaping political attitudes and behaviors, focusing on its ability to influence public perceptions and foster political engagement. Through diverse case studies and comparative analyses, we can understand how various forms of media—from traditional to digital platforms—mediate political narratives and impact audience (political) understanding. It examines how psychological and emotional elements embedded in media content, such as sentiment, humor, and storytelling, can mobilize political action, shape policy preferences, or reinforce ideological divisions.
The papers will emphasize the complex relationship between media and audience reception, considering factors like exposure, framing, and cultural context. By highlighting the interplay of foreign media and domestic political change, the discussions reveal the media’s potential to catalyze political liberalization or resistance.
Additionally, the panel considers the media's influence in fostering collective memory and identity through transnational events, demonstrating its ability to shape global political perceptions. As media technologies evolve, so do their implications for political discourse, creating new opportunities and challenges for democratic participation and public diplomacy. The presentations will provide an understanding of the media’s power in political communication, illustrating its critical role in shaping contemporary political landscapes across the globe.