Political Communication and Digital Advocacy

The 2020 United States presidential election was a pivotal moment, marked by a global pandemic, economic turmoil, and civil unrest. Amid these challenges, citizen engagement surged, driving record media ratings and the highest voter turnout since 1900. This book examines how these events reshaped political communication and the impact of social and cultural divides on the electoral process. Through an analysis of digital and social media’s role in political discourse, the book explores how platforms like X/Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok altered civic engagement, influencing voter behavior and public perceptions. It also addresses misinformation, partisan polarization, and media consumption, showing how these factors fueled digital advocacy and contributed to the January 6th Capitol attack. By unpacking the complex intersection of digital communication and democracy, this work provides critical insights into the evolving landscape of U.S. politics and implications for future elections.

Author Biography

John Allen Hendricks (Ph.D., The University of Southern Mississippi) is Chair of the Department of Media & Communication and Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. He has authored/edited 14 books and has received book awards from the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA).

Dan Schill (Ph.D., University of Kansas) is an award-winning Professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, where he teaches courses in political communication, research methods, and media and politics. He previously worked on Capitol Hill and often conducts dial focus groups for news organizations.