Opinion | Indian election study reveals how the media shaped poll views

In this article for Hindustan Times, Neelanjan Sircar, Director, Centre for Rapid Insights, states that over 3 in 5 users used a social media news source other than traditional media, and nearly a quarter of users did not use traditional media at all for news. Excerpts below:

“The recently concluded elections unfolded in an increasingly diverse and complex media environment. According to the Indian Election Study conducted by the Data Action Lab for Emerging Societies (DALES) over the 2024 polls, more than 3 in 5 users used a social media news source other than traditional media (television or newspaper), and nearly a quarter of users did not use traditional media at all for news. With a diverse array of sources and viewpoints, citizens have access to more and more information upon which to base their voting decisions. But media usage isn’t limited to just political information. Media shapes views on the economy and society at large, and even on events such as the Ambani wedding. And these issues, in turn, shape social and political attitudes.”

You can read the full article here.

Image sourced from Hindustan Times.

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