How Public Opinion been Shaped by Election Campaign Advertisements

Mass Media and Relations
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Mass Media and Relations
Public opinion on elections is shaped heavily by advertisements. More often than not, people don't take the time to read over or understand what is actually on their politician's platforms. Instead, they go on what ads are shown during their favorite TV show or who has a commercial that seems catchy and fun to them. Political ads have become one of the most influential factors in voting in America. Public opinion is a major contributing factor to information included in political advertisements. Some political ads portray a political agenda that is not directly communicated on either party's platform. Such agendas are portrayed in political advertisements because they contain information regarding what the public wants to hear or know. If the public is not made aware of such information, the chances are high that they will misinterpret the intentions of the particular politician. In such a case, public opinion can be swayed, and bad for democracy.
In the United States, there are many candidates for varying levels of office. It is impossible for an outsider to understand all of them and find out what their agendas are. Therefore, political advertising plays a big role in informing the public about candidates. It is hard to tell when a candidate is campaigning without looking at their advertisement. This has been exhibited in the past presidential elections and current elections. As the media has grown in size and importance, so has political advertising. Adverting plays a major role in determining public op...