The Connection Between Politics and Media Consumption

Consumption of media, particularly online, has become the primary way for many individuals to engage in political discourse due to the lack of tangible political actions in their daily lives. Despite an understanding that media consumption is not a substitute for real political engagement, the convenience and accessibility of online communities lead individuals to seek political identity and connection online. The fear of alienation, rejection, and lack of visible political actions in daily life drive people to turn to online platforms to form their political beliefs and find a sense of community, even though they may initially acknowledge that true political participation extends beyond media consumption.