A New Era of Political Media: An Interview with Dr. Alison Dagnes
Dr. Dagnes is the author of several insightful books, including “Super Mad at Everything All the Time,” “Political Media and Our National Anger,” and “Politics on Demand: The Effects of 24-Hour News on American Politics.” Her expertise in political media and the cultural impacts of political humor and scandal provided a deep dive into the current state of American politics.
A pivotal point in the discussion was the change in political discourse and media consumption. Dr. Dagnes traced the roots back to figures like William F. Buckley, who argued that the news media were liberally biased, a sentiment that was amplified by subsequent political figures like Richard Nixon and Newt Gingrich. Gingrich, in particular, revolutionized political rhetoric by weaponizing words and turning routine congressional procedures into spectacles designed to undermine his opponents.
The conversation also touched on the rise of Fox News, launched by Rupert Murdoch as a deliberate conservative counterbalance to what was perceived as a liberal mainstream media. This development significantly contributed to the current media landscape, characterized by a stark division and the proliferation of partisan news outlets. Dr. Dagnes pointed out that Fox News not only catered to conservative audiences but also actively shaped the political agenda by aligning closely with the Republican Party, especially during the Bush administration.
One of the most striking insights from Dr. Dagnes was the impact of social media on political polarization. She described how platforms like Twitter and Facebook have created echo chambers, where users are constantly exposed to content that reinforces their existing beliefs. This phenomenon, known as epistemic closure, leads to an intensification of polarization and the demonization of opposing viewpoints. The algorithms driving these platforms prioritize engagement, often favoring sensational and divisive content over nuanced and thoughtful discussions.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Dagnes highlighted the importance of media literacy and the role of quality journalism. She mentioned outlets like The Monkey Cage and The Upshot, which strive to make complex political research accessible to a broader audience. By translating rigorous academic work into more digestible formats, these platforms help foster a better-informed public.
Dr. Dagnes emphasized the need for a return to community-oriented values. She argued that the focus on individual identity, often exacerbated by social media, undermines the sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility. Building bridges across ideological divides requires recognizing the humanity in those we disagree with and moving beyond stereotypes.
Links to Dr. Dagnes’ work:
