If you check your Facebook page or Twitter account right now, chances are you’ll find a political post. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly two-thirds of social media users are expressing political opinions through their profiles but is it affecting this year's election?
Remember "binders full of women" and "Big Bird," two examples of famous Twitter terms after the presidential debates. It's entertaining, but is it changing opinions?
In the first presidential debate, more than 10.3 million tweets were posted and in the opening days of the Republican National Convention, more tweets were sent than during the entire 2008 election.
On Facebook, anyone can be a political analyst.
"I see a couple of debates on Facebook and they're kind of fun to watch," said Katelyn Deschutter, a social media user.
"Sometimes when you're on Facebook, it doesn't say all the truth," said Brock Willams, another social media user.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, social media users are making their opinions known. Thirty eight percent have "liked" political causes, 34% post their own political thoughts and comments, and 33% have reposted political content.
"A lot more people online have taken this election more seriously, especially people my age," said Garrett Schelke, a social media user.
But are the posts and tweets having an impact? That's up for debate.
Political science professors at CSUB say more than 60% of people are now getting their information from the Internet.
"This is really significant because it suggests people are cherry picking information they want and get access to," said Dr. Mark Martinez, a Political Science professor at CSUB.
But that much online information doesn't necessarily lead to more informed viewers.
"What we're seeing here is an increase in people looking for confirmation in what they believe rather than looking for information to sift through," said Dr. Martinez.
Empowering political opinions instead of changing them.
"If you already know what you believe and all you're looking for is confirmation, that makes people more rigid," said Dr. Martinez.
According to the Pew survey, liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans are more active than any other social group.
Remember "binders full of women" and "Big Bird," two examples of famous Twitter terms after the presidential debates. It's entertaining, but is it changing opinions?
In the first presidential debate, more than 10.3 million tweets were posted and in the opening days of the Republican National Convention, more tweets were sent than during the entire 2008 election.
On Facebook, anyone can be a political analyst.
"I see a couple of debates on Facebook and they're kind of fun to watch," said Katelyn Deschutter, a social media user.
"Sometimes when you're on Facebook, it doesn't say all the truth," said Brock Willams, another social media user.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, social media users are making their opinions known. Thirty eight percent have "liked" political causes, 34% post their own political thoughts and comments, and 33% have reposted political content.
"A lot more people online have taken this election more seriously, especially people my age," said Garrett Schelke, a social media user.
But are the posts and tweets having an impact? That's up for debate.
Political science professors at CSUB say more than 60% of people are now getting their information from the Internet.
"This is really significant because it suggests people are cherry picking information they want and get access to," said Dr. Mark Martinez, a Political Science professor at CSUB.
But that much online information doesn't necessarily lead to more informed viewers.
"What we're seeing here is an increase in people looking for confirmation in what they believe rather than looking for information to sift through," said Dr. Martinez.
Empowering political opinions instead of changing them.
"If you already know what you believe and all you're looking for is confirmation, that makes people more rigid," said Dr. Martinez.
According to the Pew survey, liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans are more active than any other social group.