Persuasion in the Media Age

Persuasion is omnipresent in today’s media-saturated society. From politicians to advertisers to friends and colleagues, persuaders are using increasingly sophisticated strategies to influence our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Fortunately, this updated edition of Persuasion in the Media Age provides a timely, solid understanding of the methods used by contemporary persuaders and offers strategies to help readers become critical consumers of persuasion. Borchers begins with the premise that contemporary culture has been forever changed by electronic media and explores the way media technologies have influenced the study and practice of persuasion. He draws from a wide variety of scholars, bringing together the latest perspectives and research as well as foundational concepts. The Third Edition spotlights the influence of social media, presents storytelling as a key driver for persuasion, and incorporates updated examples that reflect recent political campaigns and developments in popular culture. This pedagogically rich, illustrated volume includes learning objectives, key terms, discussion questions, and activities that encourage students to apply chapter content to their everyday experiences. Internet-based exercises provide practical, relevant opportunities for students to evaluate Web-based persuasion, while ethics cases explore compelling issues that have emerged in today’s media-dominated environment.