A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What do Marxists believe social media news focuses on?

1. Political issues

2. Non-important issues

3. Social justice

4. Civic engagement

The correct answer is: Non-important issues

Marxists argue that social media news typically focuses on non-important issues because they believe that this serves the interests of the ruling class by distracting the public from critical social and economic problems. By prioritizing entertainment, celebrity culture, or sensationalism, social media can divert attention away from systemic inequalities and exploitation inherent in capitalist societies. This disengagement from significant political or economic discussions emphasizes superficial topics, which prevents meaningful discourse and limits the possibility of mobilizing the public around substantial social issues. In this view, the media, including social media, act as tools that perpetuate the status quo, ensuring that the interests of the bourgeoisie remain unchallenged. Other choices, such as political issues, social justice, and civic engagement, suggest a focus on more substantive matters that could inspire critical thinking and activism, which Marxists would argue is often downplayed or neglected in favor of less important content.