Original Title Faithful Revision
This study investigates how social media affects political knowledge during elections. Using panel data from voters surveyed throughout the 2015 UK general election campaign, we analyze their exposure to information via Twitter.
Our findings reveal a complex relationship between social media use and voter knowledge:
- Information Exposure
- Political news on Twitter increased factual political knowledge.
- Messages from political parties enhanced awareness of party platforms.
- Knowledge Manipulation Concerns
- Party messaging also influenced voters' perceptions, potentially distorting beliefs about the economy and immigration.
While overall political knowledge improved due to Twitter exposure, this research shows campaigns can strategically shape voter assessments. This nuanced understanding highlights how digital communication channels impact democratic processes.
