The Evolution of Election Propaganda

Election propaganda has evolved significantly with the advent of social media, creating a complex 'Pentad' system comprising platforms, algorithms, influencers, crowds, and media. These elements interact to perpetuate a self-sustaining cycle that drives user engagement, often leading to the spread of misinformation for profit. In this landscape, platforms like Facebook and Instagram generate enormous revenues, with Facebook alone earning over $80 billion, indicating the financial incentives behind maximizing user interactions, regardless of content accuracy. Understanding these interactions can help average citizens become more discerning consumers of information, enabling them to navigate the current propaganda environment effectively.