Impact of Social Media on Political Socialization

Political socialization refers to the complex process through which individuals form their political beliefs, attitudes, and values. Various agents play significant roles in influencing this development, including family, education, peers, and media. Understanding the ways that different factors contribute to political attitudes is crucial for analyzing patterns in public opinion and voting behavior.

Consider a scenario where a young adult is influenced primarily by their social media platforms, which often curate news and political opinions according to algorithms that reflect their preferences. This selective exposure can lead to the reinforcement of existing beliefs rather than a challenge to them. In this context, which statement best describes the impact of social media as an agent of political socialization?