Overview
After engaging in our introductory discussion on social media, we now turn toward the impact of public opinion polling on such policy decisions. Chapter two introduces us to the formal and informal actors in policy-making, public opinion and policy capacity. As stated in the slide presentation found in your virtual book, public opinion is a major force in policymaking, even if it constitutes an indirect or passive form of action on the public’s part (unlike direct action such as voting or lobbying). Public opinion influences what elected officials try to do, especially on issues that are important to voters, or on those that elicit strong opinions, such as the economy, migration, abortion rights or gun control. This just played out in the 2024 election-cycle as several recently issued Supreme Court decisions have put very controversial issues back before voters and giving those running for office a lot to talk about during campaign speeches and through formal policy actions. It continues to play out in 2025, as candidates across the country are gearing up for the 2026 election cycle.
It is important to note, that not all polling results are created equal and some are more effective and legitimate than others. What does that mean? Polling is used to justify policy decisions for elected officials and informal policy actors. However, experts can easily get the results they seek by how they word questions and choose their audience (respondents). Educational institutions, research centers, not-for-profits and certain news outlets (debatable) are considered the most legitimate while private firms hired by corporations or other informal actors are less legitimate and therefore less influential with lawmakers. In my daily work, we frequently use our own polling data and that of others to justify our policy positions and actions, in the same way that elected officials do.
After reading chapter two and engaging with the supplemental materials, discuss one of the below issues generally and the impact that such public opinion polling could have on the behaviors of elected officials in New York, the state that you live or nationally:
- Teens, Social Media and Technology - Pew Research (Click here to access the poll)
- The Most Important Problem (click here)
- Latest in polling generally (click here) (click here)
- Harvard polling - click on View Key Results and pick an issue (Click here)