Lydia DeLano

Abstract:

Throughout the last several years, many researchers have argued whether the manipulation of public opinions through social media has become a threat to society, as well as the effects that it has on both the viewer and the spread of false information (Bradshaw & Howard, 2019). Although media manipulation is stated to predate humankind, it is important to understand the significant increase in the circulation of false information that is led by media platforms today (Keenan, 2020). When social media platforms first became popular, there were still only about 5% of users, whereas, of 2019 that percentage spiked to 70% (Dalomba, 2022). By using a historical analysis, we can identify the link to media manipulation, and the effects that it currently has on the spread of false and misleading information. As media manipulation gains views and profit for the profiles, there is a high incentive to fabricate information to gain the desired audience (Steve, 2017). These so-called media manipulators blur the lines between perception and reality making it difficult for viewers to know what to believe (Holiday, 2021). A historical approach to understanding the trend in media manipulation allows viewers to understand who and what to believe, and to clear the lines between what is real and what is fake.