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During the 2016 US presidential primary debate cycle, CBS displayed tweets alongside presidential candidates on-screen. Using the elaboration likelihood model and social identity theory, the current study reveals the incorporation of Twitter comments and metrics may have hindered normative outcomes of debate viewing. A mixed-method approach consisting of content analysis and an eye-tracking intervention was used to understand the effects of including socially networked information in televised debates. Findings show that including information from social media on-screen appeared to displace elaborative energy, limiting what viewers learned about candidate policies, and leaving them feeling disillusioned about politics. Polarization seemed to increase, while viewing tweets on-screen also related to being less persuaded by candidates. The inclusion of on-screen social media visuals during televised debates may overwhelm the viewer’s ability to process and retain democratic information.
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Publication Date:
https://doi.org/10.1386/jvpc_00029_1 Published content will be available immediately after check-out or when it is released in case of a pre-order. Please make sure to be logged in to see all available purchase options.