Reading Lesson - Chapter 12 (The Media) — Unit test

Question 11 • AP US Government and Politics

How does the concept of selective exposure affect the development of a citizen’s point of view on political issues?

Answer

Selective exposure occurs when viewers are only able to access media outlets that are biased in favor of one political viewpoint.

Selective exposure leads to greater diversity in political opinions, as the public is exposed to increasingly diverse news coverage.

Selective exposure may lead to increased political polarization, as the reemergence of partisan news outlets allows viewers to choose to hear their preferred biases.

Selective exposure increases public disengagement with the democratic process, as viewers become disenchanted with partisan news outlets.

Explanation

Selective exposure happens when people choose media and information that align with views they already hold. Hearing mostly one-sided coverage can reinforce those views and make opposing perspectives seem less acceptable, increasing political polarization. Choice C best describes this effect: viewers can choose partisan news that supports their preferred biases.

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