Evaluate Psychological Theories And Their Insights

Competencyevaluate Psychological Theories And Their Insights Into The

Evaluate psychological theories and their insights into the widely varying opinions and attitudes that are expressed through social media. Instructions We have been looking at different psychological theories and the way we can use them to better examine social media. For this assignment, review President Donald Trump. Spend some time looking through their social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Then write your analysis, being sure to cover these points: A good introduction including who your subject is and a good overview of them and their social media use Examples and discussion of schema/script theory in your subject Examples and discussion of cultivation theory in your subject Examples and discussion of agenda-setting theory in your subject Examples and discussion of social learning in your subject Examples and discussion of uses and gratifications theory in your subject Conclusions

Paper For Above instruction

The use of social media by prominent public figures has significantly reshaped communication dynamics, public opinion, and social discourse. Among these figures, President Donald Trump stands out as a compelling subject for psychological analysis due to his extensive and influential social media presence. His social media activities, primarily on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, exemplify modern political communication tactics and reveal insights into human attitudes, opinions, and social behavior through various psychological frameworks.

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is renowned for his unorthodox, direct communication style, which is heavily reliant on social media platforms. Trump’s social media use has been characterized by frequent, often controversial posts aimed at shaping public discourse, mobilizing supporters, and exerting influence on political and social issues. His online persona epitomizes a charismatic, confrontational, and media-savvy figure who uses social media as a primary tool for engagement. This extensive digital presence not only reflects his personality but also offers a fertile ground for applying psychological theories to understand how his communication style influences public opinion and individual attitudes.

Schema or script theory provides insight into how individuals process and interpret Trump’s social media messages. According to schema theory, people possess mental frameworks that organize knowledge and guide perception and behavior (Rumelhart, 1980). Trump's consistent messaging and persona, characterized by directness, assertiveness, and often controversy, serve as powerful schemas that his followers often adopt and reinforce. Supporters may develop schemas that view Trump as a truth-teller and outsider challenging establishment norms, which solidifies loyalty and reduces cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957). Conversely, opponents may construct schemas framing him as divisive or dishonest, filtering their perception of his messages accordingly, illustrating how schema theory explains biased information processing and attitude formation around Trump.

Cultivation theory, developed by George Gerbner, suggests that long-term exposure to media content shapes individuals’ perceptions of reality. Considering Trump's prolific media presence, analysis through cultivation theory reveals how his social media activities influence societal perceptions. His emphasis on issues like immigration, national security, and economic nationalism cultivates a particular worldview among his followers, often reinforcing existing beliefs and perceptions of threat or opportunity (Gerbner et al., 1986). The persistent portrayal of a 'battle' for America in Trump’s messaging cultivates a perception of societal polarization, influencing how followers interpret political and social realities based on media exposure to his narratives.

Agenda-setting theory, initially proposed by McCombs and Shaw, posits that media influences which issues are regarded as important by shaping public agenda. Trump's social media use exemplifies agenda-setting by emphasizing specific topics such as immigration, trade policies, or election legitimacy. By frequently posting on these issues, Trump directs media focus and public discourse, effectively prioritizing certain themes over others. His strategic framing of events and issues, such as the characterization of the COVID-19 pandemic or electoral processes, influences public perception of what matters most, demonstrating the power of social media as a tool for agenda-setting (McCombs & Shaw, 1972).

Social learning theory, based on Bandura’s work, emphasizes observation and imitation as key mechanisms in acquiring behaviors and attitudes. Trump's social media behavior can be seen as both a form of social modeling and a platform for modeling behaviors for his followers. His candidness, confrontations, and rhetorical styles serve as models that followers may emulate in their online and offline interactions. For example, Trump's combative style and use of persuasive language are observed and sometimes mimicked by supporters, illustrating the social learning process. This dynamic showcases how social media can function as a conduit for modeling social behaviors and reinforcing particular attitudes (Bandura, 1977).

Uses and gratifications theory focuses on why individuals actively seek out specific media content to satisfy various psychological needs, such as information, entertainment, or social interaction. Trump’s social media accounts serve multiple gratifications for followers and detractors alike. Supporters may use his content to stay informed, feel connected to a political movement, or derive a sense of empowerment and identity reinforcement. Conversely, opponents may follow to scrutinize or critique his messages, fulfilling needs related to social comparison or dissent. This theory highlights the active role of audiences in selecting media content that aligns with their motives and psychological needs within the context of Trump’s online presence.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s social media activity provides a rich case study for applying various psychological theories. Schema and script theory help explain how followers process and interpret his messages, while cultivation theory reveals how sustained messaging influences perceptions of reality. Agenda-setting demonstrates how his posts prioritize specific issues, shaping public discourse. Social learning theory illustrates how his behaviors serve as models for followers, and uses and gratifications theory elucidates the motives behind his and his followers’ media consumption. Collectively, these frameworks deepen our understanding of social media’s role in contemporary political and social dynamics, highlighting the complex psychological mechanisms at play in shaping opinions and attitudes in the digital age.

References

• Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
• Gerbner, G., Gross, L., Morgan, M., & Signorielli, N. (1986). Cultivation Analysis: New Directions in Media Effects Research. Journal of Communication, 36(2), 175–184.
• McCombs, M., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176–187.
• Rumelhart, D. E. (1980). Schemata: The Building Blocks of Cognition. In R. J. Spiro, B. C. Bruce, & W. F. Brewer (Eds.), Theoretical Issues in Reading Comprehension. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Other references to relevant studies and theories on social media psychology and political communication.