THE ROLE OF MEDIA DISCOURSE IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION AND SOCIAL PERCEPTION

Media discourse plays an important role in shaping public opinion, influencing social attitudes, and presenting information to a wide audience. This article examines the main features and functions of media discourse, focusing on the ways language is used in newspapers, television, online news platforms, and social media. It explores how journalists and media organizations use specific linguistic choices, framing, headlines, and persuasive strategies to attract audiences and communicate particular perspectives. The study also considers the relationship between media discourse and society, emphasizing how media language can influence the way people understand social, political, and cultural issues. The findings suggest that media discourse is not only a means of providing information but also a powerful tool for constructing meanings and influencing public perception. Understanding media discourse is therefore essential for developing critical thinking and media literacy in modern society.