Media Rhetoric Unpacked Podcast Series

What happens when a social media platform becomes powerful enough to shape political discourse?

In this episode of Media Rhetoric Unpacked, host Zeinab sits down with media scholar and cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Parisa Ghaderi to unpack the political controversy surrounding the proposed TikTok ban in the United States and what it reveals about the rhetorical power of modern digital platforms.

Drawing on communication theory and media scholarship, the discussion explores how algorithmic influence on platforms like TikTok shapes what audiences see, what narratives gain traction, and ultimately how public opinion formation occurs in the digital age.

The episode begins with communication scholar David Berg’s argument that media does not simply reflect reality but helps construct the reality audiences perceive. From there, the conversation moves to political scientist James Rosenau’s concept of “communication opinion-makers,” highlighting how digital platforms have become the central arenas where political narratives are performed and amplified.

Finally, the episode considers Robert St. Clair’s concept of visual metaphor, explaining how short videos, memes, and symbolic imagery on TikTok function as persuasive rhetorical tools within contemporary digital media politics.

Together, these perspectives reveal how debates over TikTok reflect broader struggles over informational power, platform control, and the evolving role of media rhetoric in shaping modern political life.