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The changing mediascape

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Democracy Lab

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How do diverse media options shape political engagement? This video discusses the shift towards narrow, partisan content in the social media era, the historical context of media bias, and the impact of echo chambers on public discourse. 

Additional Resources for you to Explore

To delve deeper into the influence of media on political engagement and bias, there are several resources available. Pew Research provides comprehensive studies on media consumption habits, including this piece on widening partisan divides in media trust. This PBS video provides an in depth look at the role of media on increasing partisan divides and proposes solutions for how to fix it. 

For insights into the historical context of media bias and regulation, the Fairness Doctrine is a crucial policy to explore, and you can learn more about its impact on media reporting from reputable sources like Britannica. 

Malcolm Gladwell's article "Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted" offers thought-provoking perspectives on social media activism and its limitations. To understand the role of media ownership in shaping news reporting, resources like Columbia Journalism Review provide in-depth analyses and critiques. 

Lastly, for discussions on detecting media bias and its implications, platforms like Media Matters offer articles and tools for media literacy. These resources offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between media, politics, and public perception.

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As democracies worldwide face mounting challenges, communities across the globe are mobilizing to reform systems and reignite civic culture. A key component of any healthy democratic society is quality civics education. Through content and supporting lesson materials curated and designed by experts in the field, Democracy Lab is designed to give users a strong understanding of what democracy is, but also the role that engaged participation plays in helping it thrive.

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