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The digital election: How social media is reshaping UK democracy

US political media expert Travis Ridout assesses efforts to influence UK voters.

In the UK’s 2019 general election, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram are playing a more prominent role than in any previous campaign. As the election enters its final stages, political scientist Travis Ridout, co-director of the highly respected Wesleyan Media Project – travels to the UK to immerses himself in current online activity. He finds out what strategies and techniques are being used to influence – or manipulate voters – and considers what lessons from the USA could be influencing the campaign. He reports from the digital front line in a key marginal constituency to find out how digital campaigning is being used to target undecided voters.

(Photo: Social media apps on a mobile phone. Credit: Muhammed Sleim Lorkutata/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sat 7 Dec 2019 22:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 7 Dec 2019 02:32GMT
  • Sat 7 Dec 2019 08:32GMT
  • Sat 7 Dec 2019 09:32GMT
  • Sat 7 Dec 2019 22:32GMT