Question

Students independently answer in writing:

Where do you get most of your political news today?
Do you think the media influences people’s political beliefs? Explain why or why not.
What political advertisement or news story have you seen recently? What message was it trying to send?

Answer 1

Below are short sample student responses you can give students as models. Each sample answers the three questions independently.

Student 1
- Where I get most of my political news: Social media (TikTok and X) and short videos.
- Does media influence beliefs?: Yes. Algorithms show me posts that get lots of engagement, so I end up seeing the same angle repeatedly. That repetition and selective framing shape what I think is important.
- Recent ad/news and message: I saw a paid Facebook video for a candidate focused on healthcare access. The message was “this candidate will protect your insurance and lower costs,” trying to build trust and fear of losing coverage.

Student 2
- Where I get most of my political news: Evening TV news on a national network and channel websites.
- Does media influence beliefs?: Yes. The network chooses what stories to highlight and uses tone and guest selection that can make an issue seem more or less urgent.
- Recent ad/news and message: A newsroom segment about the minimum wage debate. The report emphasized worker stories, sending the message that raising wages will help everyday families.

Student 3
- Where I get most of my political news: Podcasts and NPR articles.
- Does media influence beliefs?: Mostly yes, but I think some outlets try to be balanced. Even so, the way reporters frame questions and pick experts can guide listeners’ opinions.
- Recent ad/news and message: A local candidate’s mailer about public safety. The message: the candidate will invest in police and reduce crime, appealing to voters concerned about safety.

Student 4
- Where I get most of my political news: Conversations with family and friends and group chats.
- Does media influence beliefs?: Not as much as people think—personal networks have more influence on me because I trust those voices more than media outlets.
- Recent ad/news and message: A billboard near town about immigration policy. Message: stricter border enforcement is needed. It aimed to evoke fear and urgency.

Student 5
- Where I get most of my political news: Online newspapers and news aggregator apps (Apple News, Google News).
- Does media influence beliefs?: Yes. Headlines and repeated coverage can make a story seem more important than others, and investigative pieces can change how I view officials and policies.
- Recent ad/news and message: An investigative article about local environmental permits. Message: officials aren’t enforcing rules, implying the community needs to demand accountability.

Student 6
- Where I get most of my political news: I don’t follow regularly—only search when something comes up or when friends talk about it.
- Does media influence beliefs?: I think media can influence people a lot, but critical thinking and cross-checking sources reduce that effect.
- Recent ad/news and message: A 30-second TV ad about taxes claiming the candidate will cut middle-class taxes. The message: vote for tax relief and economic growth.

If you want, I can produce shorter or longer student answers, or tailor responses to a specific grade level or topic.