The Public Attitudes towards following up the media coverage of the French presidential elections on “Facebook” pages, a field study

Prepared by the researcher

• Dr. Eman Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, Assistant Professor of Radio and Television, Department of Educational Media, Faculty of Specific Education- Minia University- Egypt
• Dr. Marian Tadrous – Ph.D. in Strategic Media – School of Communication and Arts- Liberty University – USA
• Dr. Noha Sabri Muhammad Al-Qatawneh – Ph.D. in Electronic journalism and media legislation at the Institute of Journalism and News Sciences – Manouba University – Tunisia – Kingdom of Jordan
• Dr. Jad OUAIDAT – Information and Communication Doctor-  Bordeaux University – France
• Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed – Ph.D. in Educational media, specializing in “Radio and Television” – Faculty of Specific Education – Minia University – Egypt

Democratic Arab Center

Journal of Afro-Asian Studies : Sixteenth Issue – February 2023

A Periodical International Journal published by the “Democratic Arab Center” Germany – Berlin.

https://democraticac.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Journal-of-Afro-Asian-Studies-Sixteenth-Issue-%E2%80%93-February-2023.pdf

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the public’s attitudes toward following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections on “Facebook” pages. It used the descriptive approach in the sampling survey method as a tool for data collection. There is a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up of the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it. This may indicate that the more follow-up, the greater the tendency towards to follow up on topics of interest to them that both candidates addressed in their electoral programs. This is reflected in the polarization of voters towards electoral participation or support for or rejection of the candidate. There are also statistically significant differences between the forms of male and female interaction with the topics addressed by the French presidential candidates via “Facebook” and in the direction of males. This may indicate that they are more aware and aware of the issues of the electoral campaigns they follow, which require a kind of boldness and initiative. Therefore, they interact with them to express their opinions about what the candidates indicated. This is reflected in the voter polarization toward political participation and the tendency to support or reject the candidate.

An introduction:

The latest social media has made a qualitative leap in communication and interdependence between individuals and people in different countries. It has provided its users with access to news and information in various political, economic, and social fields, as well as exchanging opinions and ideas on issues of common interest on the scene.

The social networking site “Facebook” is also one of the media and communication tools most used by individuals and various institutions, as it contributes to covering current events of interest to the public, especially the media coverage of the French presidential elections on “Facebook” pages. These pages played a vital role in achieving the public’s political participation by shaping their attitudes towards the topics covered by the candidates in their electoral programs, which are broadcast via multimedia technologies in text, audio, and video. These programs are characterized by immediacy and speed in transmitting news and current events, moment by moment. So discussions between the candidates are essential for the audience to get to know both candidates. This attracts the voter to participate in the electoral process and shapes his attitude towards supporting or rejecting the candidate.

“Facebook” is an interactive media network used by individuals and various institutions. It is a fast and diversified means of transferring and exchanging information between users. In addition to its primary role in creating the requirements for change by creating voter awareness towards political participation, it aims to form a relationship between the candidate, the voter, and institutions based on covering the electoral process through interaction, dialogue, and broad public participation towards the candidates’ programs and the most critical issues of concern to society. Therefore, the study will examine from a contemporary perspective the public’s attitudes towards following the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook pages.

Literature Review:

The respondents use the “Facebook” network to follow up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections and interact with them on several levels. This part presents previous studies related to the topic of research within the focus of studies related to media coverage of the French presidential elections and the interaction of “Facebook” the following is a review of previous studies:

Sarah Saeed (2022). aimed to determine the relationship of electoral propaganda with the levels of electoral alienation and its reflection on political participation. The descriptive approach was used in a sample survey method for data collection using a questionnaire. The sample consisted of (232) from a single in the governorates of “Ismailia, Suez, and Port Said” the study found: The state of electoral alienation led to the lack of political participation, the lack of affiliation with political parties or currents, the lack of awareness of the importance of owning an electoral card and engaging in political life, and the presence of a decrease in confidence in the sincerity of the slogans and promises contained in the electoral campaign, which reflects the weakness of political polarization through electoral propaganda, which affects the direction of voters negatively towards political participation.(^[1]).

In the same context, Ibrahim Salem (2021). was concerned with identifying the extent to which university youth depend on Libyan electronic newspapers in shaping their attitudes towards electoral participation and used the descriptive approach in a sample survey method as a tool for collecting data through a questionnaire. In shaping young people’s attitudes towards the electoral process due to their interest in election issues to a lesser extent than those who did not contribute to their attitudes (^[2]).

In a related context, Hanan Maatouq Ahmed (2021). aimed to reveal the role of social networking sites in educating Libyan women about political participation. Interaction and the presence of statistically significant differences between the forms of respondents’ follow-up to the pages based on awareness of political participation according to the variable of geographical distribution and towards the Libyan women residing in urban areas (^[3]).

Hebat Allah Salih (2020). identified the relationship between exposure to social networking sites and its relationship to political alienation and its reflection on political participation among Egyptian youth; the descriptive approach was used in a sample survey method as a tool for data collection through a questionnaire. A statistically significant relationship between the level of political alienation in the sample and the extent of its political participation (^[4]).

Aloysius-Michaels Okolie et al. (2021). sought to assess the impact of election campaign advertising on the 2015 presidential election results and post-election governance in Nigeria. Specifically, it analyzes how it identifies religious campaign messages from the two major political parties that sought to use religion to get people to vote. This study is qualitative and is derived from the theory of rational choice. One of its most important results is that politicians take advantage of the influence of the media to promote the messages of election campaigns immersed in the religious race to influence the election results. And it was fiercely attacking rival parties, distorting their image, and sowing hatred and violence against them under false religious slogans. Despite the ruling party’s landslide victory, it has not primarily fulfilled its electoral promises after five years of political elections (^[5]).

Gavra and Slutskiy (2021). analyzed the Russian media coverage of charges of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections, including the Mueller investigation and the publication of the report of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections, and used the analytical method as a tool for data collection, and the analytical sample represented the content of three newspapers and one official channel, which included: The internal American political confrontation between Democrats and Republicans, the persistence of “fear of Russia”, and the general incompetence of politicians and American intelligence in “The New York Times, the Washington Post, Dallas MORNING News, FOX news”, and I concluded: The media portrays the United States in The context of the Mueller Commission and Russia’s accusations of election interference as belonging to the category of “fake news”, being highly unattractive, conflicted, contradictory, quarrelsome, irrational, incompetent, irrational, ridiculous, xenophobic, and portrayed as a threat not Only for Russia, but for global security in general (^[6]).

Eman Mohamed (Eman Mohamed, 2021, p50). searched to identify the levels of media coverage of the American elections on the pages of “BBC Arabic” and “Sky News Arabia” channel for each of the two candidates “Joe Biden” and “Donald Trump.” The author used the descriptive approach in the style of content analysis as a tool for data collection. The study analyzed the two pages of “BBC Arabic” and “Sky News Arabia” channels. The results indicated that: There are non-statistically significant differences between the two pages of “BBC Arabic” and “Sky News Arabia” in covering the topics covered by the two presidential candidates. The value was (1.60**), which is not significant at the level (0.01), and there were statistically significant differences between the two pages of BBC Arabic and Sky News Arabia in presenting the position of the two candidates during the media coverage of the American elections. In the direction of the BBC Arabic channel page (^[7])

Adeola Abdul Latif Ega, Felix Adedamola first Adeola Abdulateef Elega, Felix Adedamola Oloyede, and Bahire Efe Özad (2021). evaluated the dominant frameworks that appeared in the coverage of the 2019 Nigerian general elections and the tones used by the international news source. The authors used the descriptive approach in the content analysis as a tool for data collection. : The style of the global media coverage of Nigeria’s 2019 general elections was neutral, although the amount of news reported negatively and critically was also relatively notable, especially by US news sources. Overall, the foreign media’s coverage and framing of the 2019 Nigerian general elections were somewhat impartial, thus preserving the core values ​​of journalism and covering the elections with balance and fairness (^[8]).

Commenting on previous studies and their benefits:

• Regarding the methodology: the studies unanimously agreed to use the descriptive approach in the two methods of content analysis and questionnaire, while the current study agreed with previous studies in using the questionnaire tool as part of the descriptive approach to verify the results of the present study.
• Regarding the sample: previous studies differed in the selection of the sample, some of which depended on the sample of youth and women, and others on electronic newspapers and news stories, while the current study differed from previous studies in determining the sample of the study, as the current study was applied to a sample of Egyptian citizens. Residents of rural and urban areas.
• Regarding the objectives: the previous studies differed in defining the goals; some sought to determine the relationship of electoral propaganda with the levels of electoral alienation and its reflection on political participation. University youth depended on the Libyan electronic newspapers in shaping their attitudes towards electoral participation on the network, and others sought to assess the impact of campaign advertising. Some concerned themselves with analyzing the media coverage of the American elections and the Russian interference in them.

The current study benefited from previous studies in the following:

• Defining the study problem scientifically.
• Formulating the study’s hypotheses and tools and determining the appropriate approach to verify the current study results.
• Previous studies contributed to the enrichment of the knowledge framework by relying on them as sources for the current study.
• Benefiting from it in analyzing, interpreting, and commenting on the results in a correct scientific manner, as the theoretical frameworks of the previous studies that were commented on in the current study are linked to the public’s trends towards following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections on the “Facebook” pages.

The Research Problem

Electoral political participation on social media platforms has a significant impact on the opinions of the public. It represents an influential force that contributes to decision-making and the achievement of democracy for various segments of society, as well as the formation of a conscious culture among voters due to the rapid circulation of information and absolute freedom to express an opinion and the other opinion. Individuals’ attitudes toward supporting or rejecting candidates change based on the topics they raise in their electoral campaigns, in light of an atmosphere of freedom and democracy on the network, given the role of the media network in media coverage of current events, especially range of topics related to the French presidential elections on Facebook pages. These means have become a significant focus on the success of the electoral process between the voter and the candidate by presenting their electoral programs and the most important topics addressed by each candidate, which have a significant impact on shaping their attitudes towards electoral political participation in supporting the candidate they want. Hence the problem of the study crystallized in the following central question: the public’s attitudes towards following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook pages.

The following sub-questions emerge from the question:

• What is the relationship between the respondents’ follow-up of the media coverage of the French presidential elections through the social networking site “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it ?
• What is the relationship between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook” and the turnout rate ?
• What is the relationship between respondents’ follow-up to television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and the degree of benefit from them ?
• What are the differences between public viewing of pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections according to the geographic distribution variable ?
• What are the differences between male and female interaction forms with the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” ?

Study hypotheses:

 to achieve the objectives of the study and answer its questions, the study hypotheses were represented in five central, namely:

• There is a positive correlation between the respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections through the social networking site “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it.
• There is a positive correlation between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook” and their Turnout.
• The more respondents follow the TV templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via Facebook, the more they benefit from them.
• There are statistically significant differences between public viewing of pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections, according to the variable of geographical distribution.
• Are there differences between male and female interaction forms with the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook”?

The significance of the research:

• The theoretical importance is due to the focus on the public’s attitudes towards following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections through the social networking site “Facebook.” It is an essential media tool that benefits the public to learn about French presidential candidates’ programs, the topics covered, and the patterns of interaction with the opinion and the other opinion through dialogue and participation.
• As for the practical importance, it is based on the Egyptian public’s benefiting from the “Facebook” network in following up on the topics that the two candidates for the French presidential elections in their electoral campaigns, as well as watching the discussions and debates between both candidates to know the most critical issues of interest to voters, because they represent democratic work based on the culture of dialogue between The candidate and the voter, in order to arrive at new and innovative theories and perceptions within the framework of the relationship between the public and the new media.

Objectives of the research

The study aims to identify the main objective: Public attitudes toward following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook pages.

The following sub-objectives emanate from this goal:

• Knowing the relationship between the respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections through the social networking site “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it.
• To show the relationship between public exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook” and the turnout rate.
• Determining the relationship between respondents’ follow-up to television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and the degree to which they are used.
• Detection of differences between public viewing of pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections, according to the geographic distribution variable.
• Knowing the differences between male and female interaction forms with the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook.”

The study sample

       The study was conducted on a deliberate sample of (400) individuals from the Egyptian public residing in rural and urban areas, which followed the topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections on “Facebook” pages; their ages ranged from (18: to 55) years. This segment represents an active sector in human society due to its connection to the place of study of researchers. In addition to the fact that the Egyptian public represents different age levels and diverse educational groups, males and females like to learn about topics related to media coverage of the national elections.

The French facilitator via “Facebook” provides the researchers with a sample that correctly represents the original community of youth within the community. When selecting the sample, it was taken into account that it should be representative of both males and females, and the following is a description of the sample according to demographic variables

Table (1) Description of the study sample according to demographic variables (n = 400)    

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

1. Gender: Males came first with a percentage of (65%). In comparison, females came in the forefront with (35%), and superiority may indicate that they are more daring towards following topics related to the French presidential elections through “Facebook,” as it is an essential source of knowledge Updates on the programs of both candidates and the most critical issues addressed.
2. Age: the results showed that the age group (35: and over) came with a high rate of (56.25%), followed by the age group (18: 30) with a percentage of (43.75%) This is explained by the fact that the older the age, the higher the follow-up rate for topics related to the French presidential elections.
3.  Work level: (66.25%) of the respondents confirmed that they work, followed by those who do not work at a rate of (33.75%).
4. Educational level: The results of the study revealed that the sample members with a university qualification came first with a rate of (51%), followed by those with a postgraduate qualification (32.75%), and finally, those with an average qualification (16.25%), and this indicates that Those with a university degree from Egyptian citizens are the most popular group for following up on the topics addressed by the two candidates in the French presidential elections, and they are of a higher density than those with a post-university and intermediate qualification.
5.  Geographical distribution: The study’s results revealed that the urban sample came in the forefront with a rate of (53.75%), followed by those living in the countryside with a rate of (46.25%). The researchers attribute this to urban areas having a higher population density than the countryside.

 Study community:

The human community is represented in the Egyptian public following the topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook.

The limits of the study:

• Human limits: represented by a sample of the Egyptian public following the French presidential elections on Facebook pages, ranging in age from 18: 35, 35, and over.
• Spatial boundaries: are limited to the institutions’ pages related to the French presidential elections via “Facebook.” These pages are represented in the page of the presidential candidate “Emmanuel Macron,” the presidential candidate “Marine Le Pen,” the National Assembly and the Senate, the French National Assembly, journalists and writers, and the channel page “France 24 Arabic”. These pages were chosen due to their relevance to the subject of the researchers’ study.
• Objective limits: are limited to the topics addressed by the two candidates in the French presidential elections. These topics are “international politics, retirement age, secularism, the axis of security, purchasing power, immigration, the health sector, the education sector, and climate precaution.”
• Time limits: It is the period during which the researchers conducted the field study on a sample of the Egyptian public following the topics related to the French presidential elections on the “Facebook” pages, from 10/4/2022 to 24/4/2022.

 Study tool:

A questionnaire newspaper was applied to a deliberate sample of (400) individuals of the Egyptian public residing in rural and urban areas, which followed up on topics related to the French presidential elections through Facebook pages.

Study type and method:

This study belongs to the descriptive analyses, which depend mainly on the sample survey method, as it is the best way to obtain quantitative and qualitative data for all paragraphs of the questionnaire. This study belongs to the descriptive analyses, which depend mainly on the sample survey method, as it is the best way to obtain quantitative and qualitative data for all questionnaire items.

The sample survey method includes collecting respondents’ data as essential to know the public’s attitudes towards following up on topics related to the French presidential elections via “Facebook.” The respondents’ qualitative responses depend on the interpretation of digital results. The researchers in this study began to monitor and extract results from the data reached. We followed this approach because it responds to the study’s goal of knowing the public’s attitudes towards following up on the latest developments about the French presidential elections by measuring the responses of the respondents’ interaction with the topics related to them.

Study Concepts:

• Media coverage: the media’s ability to transmit news related to current events and broadcast them from the event’s site in text, audio, and video.
• Presidential elections: It is an official process based on the public’s selection of a specific person to assume an official position, and it is carried out through voting.
• “Facebook“: a social network used by individuals and various institutions to exchange news and information, cover current events, and communicate and interact with them.

Study Variables:

• The independent variable: the French presidential elections on “Facebook” pages.
• Dependent variable: audience attitudes.

Cognitive framework:

Media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook:

It is the role played by the media in covering various events, as it provides the public with information and news about the events that interest them (Iman Muhammad, 2021, 954).

The social networking site “Facebook” is also an influential media outlet covering current events, especially in presenting topics related to media coverage of the French presidential elections, as well as introducing the programs of both candidates and the essential issues covered.

And “Facebook” is a social networking site that aims to communicate between individuals and societies through certain symbols or writings from different parts of the world that are not bounded by geographic borders or specific races. It is a site where an individual can present his ideas and put pictures, videos, and comments among people (^[9]),Interaction represents additional roles that the audience can play independently (^[10]).

Elections are the most prominent rights of human expression, and they are the choice of the individual whose name is registered in the election database for one of the candidates during a specified period, to represent him before the government, and to authorize him to speak on his tongue (^[11]).

There are many topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections, which both candidates addressed on their Facebook pages, including:(^[12]).

• International Politics: Macron announced in the dialogue with Russia to put an end to the war in Ukraine, with the continued imposition of sanctions on it, accusing Le Pen of being dependent on Moscow and Putin, given that it obtained a 9 million euro loan from a Russian bank in 2014. It supports a “free Ukraine” independent of the United States, the European Union, and Russia.
• Retirement age: Macron promised to continue improving pensions and to set a minimum for them of at least 1,100 euros, adding, “I don’t want to increase taxes, I don’t want to increase our debts, the only solution is to work longer.” For her part, Le Pen proposed a gradual retirement age increase. Retire to reach 62, considering retirement at 65 is an “unbearable injustice.”
• Secularism: “Le Pen” sees the issue of “Islamic terrorism” as the most important, calling for ratifying laws against Islamic ideology and banning the wearing of headscarves in public places. With this decision, France, the country of lights, will be the first country in the world to ban religious symbols on the streets.
• Security Axis: Le Pen believes that the situation in the country is terrible and calls for solving the problem of “chaotic immigration” that causes the situation to deteriorate by taking more firmness in the field of justice and increasing the armament of the police. For his part, Macron affirmed that he fulfilled his promise to employ ten Thousands of security personnel and grow the judiciary’s budget by thirty percent, speaking of the file of cyber-attacks to which specialized investigators will be assigned.
• Purchasing power: “Le Pen” says that it wants to reduce the value-added tax on energy from 20 to 5 percent and also promised to exempt those under 30 years of age from taxes, while “Macron” considers that “the best way to improve purchasing power is to combat unemployment.” Noting that the unemployment rate fell to 7.4 percent.
• Immigration: Le Pen proposes holding a referendum on this issue with the approval of “the expulsion of foreign criminals and delinquents, the abandonment of the right to land, an end to the settlement of the situation of illegal immigrants, and the reform of the Schengen system.” For his part, Macron said that the protection of people fleeing from their country because of a danger to their lives, stressing France’s need for regular economic immigration. Regarding illegal immigration, Macron wants to reform the Schengen system because France “is not an access point for networks that exploit people’s pain.”
• The health sector: Macron promised to hire fifty thousand nurses and health care workers, and “Le Pen” responded to the attack on Macron over the decision to expel 15,000 workers in the health sector because they refused to receive the Coronavirus vaccine.
• The education sector: “Macron” promises a minimum wage of 2,000 euros for each new teacher, “And Le Pen” promises to review teachers’ salaries and “restore order” to classes, stressing the need for “firmness” against troubled students.
• Climate precaution: “Le Pen” accuses Macron of inconsistency in his handling of the energy file, as he began his mandate by wanting to close nuclear reactors and now wants to build new reactors, and Macron promises to appoint a prime minister to develop a plan to combat climate precaution, and Le Pen accuses him of “climate hypocrisy.”

Interact with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook:

It is an appropriate measure to determine the effectiveness of the topics published by organizations via the Internet and social networking sites (^[13]).The interaction is based on multi-directional communication between the sender and the receiver based on the mutual reactions between them about the contents that interest the recipient, whether like, comment, or Share (^[14]).

Especially the interaction of topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook pages.

Electoral participation is based on the public’s choice of their representatives at the national level through free elections, of which voting is the most critical pillar (^[15]).

The interaction depends on the availability of interaction mechanisms on the site and the rate of exchange, dialogue, and participation between the sender and the receiver about the media content presented to the public (^[16]).

Forms of interaction with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections on Facebook:

There were many forms of interaction with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections, admiration, and participation, including:

• LIKES records: It means to show likes for content on the site and is available between friends, groups, and channels it joins (^[17]).
• Comment interaction: It means that the user shows his comment to the content that interests him, whether it is published on the page of an organization, the pages of friends, or a shared group among them. It is a feature that depends on the interactive participation of the audience (^[18]).
• Shares: It means the user shares news content with others from one site to another via his e-mail (^[19]).

Honesty and reliability procedures for the questionnaire sheet:

 The questionnaire was applied to a sample of Egyptian citizens who followed topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” and the apparent truthfulness of the newspaper was verified by presenting it to a group of media arbitrators. The form was modified according to their observations, where the questionnaire was applied during the year 2022DA, from 10/4/2022 to 24/4/2022DA, to calculate the stability of the questionnaire results. The researcher relied on the re-test method; after collecting the data, the researcher conducted a study on (5%) of the total individuals in the field study (20) respondents using the “Cranach’s Alpha coefficient.” It indicates the presence of a high consistency ratio between the respondents. The following table shows calculating the value of the reliability coefficient for the questionnaire sheet:

Table (2) Cronbach’s alpha coefficient to measure the stability of the form (n = 400)

    The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• The value of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient came at a high rate of (0.90), which means that the reliability coefficient is high and indicates that there is no significant difference in the respondents’ responses and that the questionnaire sheet is valid for application.

Statistical analysis:

• After completing the data collection of the field study, the data was encoded and entered into the computer, then processed and analyzed. Statistical results were extracted using the statistical package for the social sciences program known as “SPSS” by resorting to the following transactions, tests, and statistical treatments, which are (Ratios and frequencies): The simple statistic of the questionnaire questions. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the intensity and direction of the relationship between respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via the social networking site “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it, as well as finding the relationship between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the website. The social network “Facebook,” the turnout rate, and the use of the T-test to find the differences between the forms of male and female interaction with the media coverage of the French presidential elections that the two French presidential candidates addressed via “Facebook.”

Results:

The field study sample was represented in the age group (18-30, 35, and over), as it included (400) individuals from the Egyptian public following the topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook.” In addition to the results of testing the hypotheses’ validity and linking them to the questions and objectives of the study, the results are presented below:

Table (3) Respondents’ follow-up to topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” (n = 400))

  The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (45%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow the topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” followed by follow-up to a large extent to a large area (41.25%), and then at unspecified times (13.75%), The results showed that respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French elections on Facebook became imperative to obtain information related to the polls. To keep pace with the rapid technological developments in the media and communication environment, as well as to know the candidates’ programs and the most critical issues that were addressed in different ways according to the public’s needs.

 (4) Respondents’ follow-up to the pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (33%) of respondents confirmed that they follow the French Ministry of the Interior’s page among the pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections, followed by the French National Assembly and the Senate by( 25%.), Then thePresidential candidate Emmanuel Macron’s page, Through Arab media (15% ), followed by the “France 24” channel, “Arabic” (13.25%), thenPresidential candidate Marine Le Pen’s page, Through Arab media (9.75%), and finally journalists and writers (4%).
• Regarding male follow-up of pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections: (30.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow the French Ministry of the Interior page among the pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections, followed by the French National Assembly and the Senate with a percentage of (22.5%). Then the “France 24” channel’s “Arabic” page (17.5%), followed by the presidential candidate “Emmanuel Macron” (16%), then the presidential candidate “Marine Le Pen” (10.5%), and finally journalists and writers (3%).
• With regard to female follow-up of pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections: (35.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow the page of the French Ministry of the Interior among the pages based on media coverage of the French presidential elections, followed by the French National Assembly and the Senate with a percentage of (27.5%), Then the page of the presidential candidate, “Emmanuel Macron” (14%), followed by the page of “France 24 Arabi” channel, the presidential candidate “Marine Le Pen” (9%), and finally journalists and writers (5%), and it is clear from the previous results: that The follow-up of the sample members to the pages based on coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” has become an imperative to obtain relevant information and to benefit from the knowledge of the latest developments about the various forms of candidates’ programs according to the public’s need, as it becomes clear to us: There is an advantage in favor of males in terms of following the pages of a candidate Presidency Emmanuel Macron, presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, France 24 Arabi channel page This indicates that each of the sample members has a specific orientation towards the pages related to the media coverage of the French elections on Facebook, according to the voter’s desire.

 (5) Methods of persuasion for the French presidential candidates that the respondents follow through “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (33%) of the respondents confirmed that they continue to present evidence and proof among the methods of persuasion for the French presidential election candidates via Facebook, followed by reliance on personal views (30.25%) and then exchanging views (20%); finally, the compelling images were displayed (12.75%).
• Regarding males’ follow-up to the methods of persuasion of the French presidential candidates through Facebook pages: (38.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they continue to present evidence and proof among the methods of persuasion of the French presidential candidates through Facebook, followed by reliance on personal views with a percentage of ( 29%), then exchanging views (22%). Finally, displaying influential photos (10.5%).
• Regarding the female follow-up to the methods of persuasion of the French presidential candidates through Facebook pages: (35.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they continue to present evidence and proof of the methods of persuasion of the French presidential candidates through “Facebook,” followed by reliance on personal views with a percentage of ( 31.5%), then exchanging views (18%). Finally, displaying influential photos (15%). It is clear from the previous results: males were the most involved in following up on evidence and proof, and exchanging views was among the methods of persuasion for the two French presidential candidates. In his election campaign, Macron spoke about purchasing power, one of the main issues that occupy French voters, promising to achieve social justice, raise the minimum wage, and binding referendums, which Le Pen successfully focused her campaign on. While females focused on pursuing dependence. Ali’s personal views, represented by “Macron and Le Pen,” exchange barbs to prove that they can best support the purchasing power of the French electorate.

 (6) Respondents’ follow-up to the position of the French presidential candidates via “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (40.75%) of the respondents confirmed that they support “Emmanuel Macron,” followed by the opposition to “Marine Le Pen” (27.5%), then support for “Marine Le Pen” (17.75%), and finally the opposition to “Emmanuel Macron” with ( 14%).
• Regarding the males’ follow-up to the position of the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” pages: (42%) of the respondents confirmed that they support “Emmanuel Macron,” followed by the opposition to “Marine Le Pen” with 24%, and then support for “Marine Le Pen.” by (18.5%), and finally the opposition to “Emmanuel Macron” by (15.5%).
• Regarding the female follow-up of the position of the French presidential candidates on Facebook pages: (39.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow support for “Emmanuel Macron,” followed by the opposition to “Marine Le Pen” with 31%, and then support for “Marine Le Pen.” (17%), and finally, the opposition to “Emmanuel Macron” (12.5%). It is clear from the previous results: that the respondents’ follow-up on the position of the two candidates is related to the nature of the essential issues they raise in their electoral programs to win the voter’s support. We also note that there is male superiority in terms of follow-up the support for “Emmanuel Macron,” which comes in light of the people voting for him. Similar to his promises to treat all French people equally and to prevent the extreme right from entering the Elysee Palace, this indicates the success of his election campaign for “Macron” through the media in attracting the voter and gaining their trust to vote for him. Also, there is a presence of female supremacy in the opposition’s follow-up to “Marie Le Pen,” who spoke of her anti-immigration and opposition to the European Union; by calling for the closure of France’s partially open borders to Europe. This reflects the lack of influence of electoral propaganda through the media in attracting the majority of voters towards political participation to vote for “Marie Le Pen”.

 (7) Public follow-up of TV templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (40.75%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow the news talk shows among the television programs used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook.” Followed by the direct talk method with a percentage of (24.25%), and then debates, discussions, seminars, and meetings with the public with a rate of ( 18.5%), followed by reports (11.5%), and finally caricatures (2.5%).
• Regarding males’ follow-up to television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook”: (24%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow news talk shows from among the television programs used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook. Followed by a direct speech by (21%), then debates and discussions, seminars and meetings with the public (19.5%), followed by reports (13%), and finally caricatures (3%).
• Concerning female follow-up of television templates used in media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,”: (27.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they follow the direct speech method among the television used in media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook.” Followed by news talk shows (25.5%), then debates, discussions, seminars, and meetings with the public (17.5%), followed by reports (10%), and finally caricatures (2%), It is clear from the previous results: that males were the most frequently involved in following the templates of debates and discussions, seminars and meetings with the public, the caricatures used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections, and this may indicate that they are attracted to pursuing democratic work based on the culture of dialogue between the candidate and the voter and the extent of his knowledge of the issues, concerning discussions and debates. They indicate the viewers’ keenness to follow the arguments, evidence, and viewpoints presented by both candidates in their electoral programs that are offered in various ways and for females. The majority focus on following the templates of news talk shows, the direct talk style, which indicates that they focus on the candidate’s personality and the way he speaks to his audience on the screen or studio according to the topics the voters are interested in. As for females, they mainly focused on following the templates of news talk shows and direct speech, which indicates that they focus on the candidate’s personality and the way he speaks to his audience on the screen or studio according to the nature of the topics that interest the voters.

(8) Elements of Attracting Respondents Towards Media Coverage of the French Presidential Elections on “Facebook”, (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (28.75%) of the respondents confirmed that they are attracted to the videos that include the electoral programs of the French presidential candidates via “Facebook,” the presence of the permanent candidate on the page, and his interaction by answering voters’ inquiries, followed by the objective pictures (19%). Then the loyal verbal slogans For the campaign (17.25%) and personal photos (6.25%).
• Regarding the male elements towards the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook”: (32.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they are attracted to watching videos that include electoral programs. The presence of the permanent candidate on the page and his interaction in response to voters’ inquiries by the two French presidential candidates through “Facebook.” This result is consistent with the findings of the study by John Enli (2017), where the interest in following the pages of the candidates came to the fore and also went to the forefront in the current study, followed by objective images (15.5%), and then logos vocal support for the campaign (14.5%), and finally personal photos (5%).
• Regarding the elements of attracting females towards the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook”: (25%) of the respondents confirmed that they are attracted to the videos that include the electoral programs of the French presidential candidates via “Facebook.” The presence of the permanent candidate on the page and his interaction by responding to voters’ inquiries (25%), followed by objective images (22.5%), then pro-campaign verbal slogans (20%), and finally personal images (7.5%). The candidates’ electoral programs include the permanent candidate’s presence on the page and his interaction by responding to voters’ inquiries.This may indicate that they are more daring to follow up. This is because the interactive pages related to the coverage of the French elections aim to open a way for there to be a new relationship between them and their audience by achieving interaction, dialogue, and broad public participation in the candidates’ programs and the most critical issues of concern to the voter.

Table (9) The degree of respondents’ Turnout on the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (55.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they are willing to follow up on the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook,” followed by a medium turnout at (24.5%) and then a weak turnout (20%). Previous results: that the vast majority of respondents follow the current events related to the French presidential elections to a large extent, and this may indicate that the pages provide a variety of information that attracts the electorate towards the issues of interest. This reflects the impact of electoral propaganda through the media in attracting voters towards political participation.

(10) Respondents’ follow-up to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (18.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they prefer the topics of international politics and immigration, which the two French presidential candidates addressed via “Facebook,” followed by the security axis (17%), then purchasing power (8.75%), followed by the health sector by (8.5) percent). The retirement age, climate precaution (8%), the education sector came by (7.25%), and finally, secularism (5.5%).
• Regarding the males’ follow-up to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook”: (19%) of the respondents confirmed that they prefer the issues of the security axis that the two French presidential candidates dealt with via “Facebook.” Followed by international politics, immigration (15%), and then purchasing power 12%, followed by the health sector (9.5%), climate precaution (9%), followed by retirement age (8.5%). Finally, secularism, the education sector by (6%).
• Regarding the female follow-up to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via Facebook: (22%) of the respondents confirmed that they prefer the issues of international politics and immigration, which were addressed by the two French presidential candidates via Facebook, followed by the security axis (15%). Then the education sector by (8.5%), followed by the retirement age, the health sector by (7.5%), then climate precaution (7%), purchasing power came by (5.5%), and finally secularism by (5%), and it is clear from the previous results: That the respondents’ follow-up on the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates on the Facebook pages has become an imperative to obtain information related to the candidates’ programs and the latest developments about them, which reflects the impact of electoral propaganda through the media in attracting sample members towards political participation through the keenness of those in charge of it to highlighting the importance of diversifying the methods of presenting the topics covered by the candidates so that the observer does not get bored, as it is clear to us that there is male superiority: in terms of following up on the topics of purchasing power, the axis of security, secularism, the health sector, and this may indicate that they are more aware and aware of the issues they follow and they are exposed to it extensively, and there is also a superiority for females: in terms of following up on topics of international politics, migration, the education sector, and this may indicate that they are more aware and aware of the issues they follow according to its trends, and this indicates that pages based on media coverage of the French elections It has played its role in determining the trends of public opinion. The topics mentioned above have dominated the candidates’ programs to varying degrees, but they differed in visions and how to address them in their electoral programs.

 (11) Forms of respondents’ interaction with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (39%) of the respondents affirmed that they prefer interacting by commenting on topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” followed by admiration and participation by (30.5%).
• In the interaction with like: (32.5%) of the furniture confirmed that they prefer to interact with admiration with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” compared to (28.5%) for males. This result is consistent with the findings of Hadeer Ahmed’s study (2021, 543), where the interaction with admiration for the media content came with interest and received attention in the current study. The use of the admiration tool may indicate the continuous update of the news presented on these sites. Social communication allows the audience to express their opinions about the content, positive or negative.
• In interaction with a comment: (40%) of males confirmed that they prefer to interact by commenting on topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via Facebook, compared to (38%) for females, and this may indicate that they are more capable and aware of the topics they follow that they raise. Both candidates in their electoral programs, in addition to knowing the latest developments about it, interact by commenting to express their opinions. To form reactions with others about the most prominent issues of concern to the voter, and this result is consistent with the findings of Mahmoud Mohamed’s study (Mahmoud Mohamed, 2020,95), where the interaction with the commentary of the media contents came to the fore, and it also came to the fore in the current study.
• In the participatory share: (31.5%) of the males confirmed that they prefer to interact with the participation with topics related to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” compared to (38%) for the males. Their electoral programs, and the diversity of their audience from one site to another, as it is the primary concern of the voters, and it is clear from the previous results: that the respondents find that the interaction and its tools with topics related to the electoral campaigns via “Facebook” is essential because it helps them express their views explicitly about the goals of these campaigns for the candidates In addition to knowing the candidates’ programs and the most important topics covered, represented in “international politics, retirement age, secularism, security axis, purchasing power, migration, health sector, education sector, climate precaution,” to meet the voter’s need.

Table (12) Respondents’ follow-up to sources of media coverage of topics related to the French presidential elections via Facebook (n = 400))

The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (20%) of respondents confirmed that they prefer to follow newspapers and news agencies on the Internet. This may indicate that they rely on them as they represent a source of information during the elections. Perhaps they are the most rapid means of transmitting current events because they have a worldwide network of correspondents. Followed by the reports of correspondents and delegates with a percentage of (18.25%), and this indicates that it is one of the most successful forms of presenting news accompanied by visual material, which has a significant impact on viewers as it covers current events from the sites of the event, which reflects the confirmation of the credibility of the topics among the voters, and then the responsible sources about the two candidates (16.25%), and this may indicate that it is one of the most essential sources based on managing the electoral campaign and speaking on behalf of the candidate about all developments during the electoral process, followed by the Ministry of Interior with a percentage of (13.75%), and this indicates that it is the one in charge of taking security measures and measures the guarantee to secure the conduct of electoral and referendum operations in coordination with the Supreme Elections Committee, and the meetings with guests took place inside the studio at a rate of (12.25%), and this may indicate that it is an essential attraction for the to obtain news and information from its source and know their views directly, then partisan and judicial authorities by (11.25%), and this indicates that it is the main supporter of the electoral campaigns of both candidates, as it plays an essential role in attracting the most significant number of voters, and finally the French National Assembly and the Senate with a percentage (8.25%), and this indicates that it is an essential element that has a direct impact on the formulation of the country’s policy through discussion and amendment of laws, and it is clear from the previous results: that the public’s follow-up to the various sources based on media coverage of topics related to the French presidential elections through “Facebook” has become an absolute necessity to know the latest developments on issues of interest to the voter according to his needs.

(13) Respondents’ attitudes towards following up on the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” (n = 200), (n = 200), (n = 400)

The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• (22%) of respondents confirmed that they prefer to know the news of the presidential elections, followed by interest in the news of the candidates and their electoral programs (21%), and then to obtain information related to the topics covered by both candidates (17.25%). Followed by communication and interaction With others on the issues addressed by both candidates (16.75%) and the follow-up to the voting process in the presidential elections came (13%). Finally, it allows the expression of opinion without restrictions regarding what the two candidates refer to (10%)
• Regarding the tendency of males to follow the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook”: (24.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they prefer to be interested in the news of the candidates and their electoral programs, followed by knowing the news of the presidential elections by (21.5%). Then, following the process of voting in the presidential elections, communicating and interacting with others about the topics addressed by both candidates (16%), followed by obtaining information related to the issues discussed by both candidates (12%), and finally allowing the expression of opinion without restrictions regarding what the two candidates refer to by (10%).
• Concerning the tendency of females to follow the media coverage of the French presidential elections via Facebook: (22.5%) of the respondents confirmed that they prefer the trend towards knowing the news of the presidential elections, obtaining information related to the topics covered by both candidates. Followed by interest in the candidates’ news and their electoral programs. Communicating and interacting with others about the issues covered by both candidates (17.5%), and finally following up on the voting process in the presidential elections, allowing expression of opinion without restrictions regarding what the candidates refer to (10%), It is clear from the previous results: the sample’s interest. The study follows up the coverage to achieve direct and real-time knowledge and the latest developments about the election results. It is clear to us that there is male superiority: in terms of interest in following up on the news of the candidates and their electoral programs and the voting process in the presidential elections. This indicates that the pages based on the media coverage of the French elections have performed their role entrusted to the fullest in presenting the topics addressed by both candidates, which reflects the determination of the voter’s attitude towards the candidate, whether negative or positive, and also the presence of female superiority: in terms of knowing the news of the presidential elections, communicate and interact with others about the topics covered by both candidates, Obtain information on the issues covered by both candidates, and this indicates that they are more aware and aware of the topics they pursue which are the main attraction factor for the endorsement of the candidate that the voter wants.

Hypotheses test results:

The first hypothesis states a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up of the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it

Table (14) The relationship between respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it. (N = 400)

* Significant at the level of (0.05)                                 ** Significant at the level (0.01)

 The data in the table above indicates the following:

• Using the “person” correlation coefficient, it was found that there was a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it. The value of the correlation coefficient was (0.59**), a function at the level (0.01). This is because the more significant the follow-up, the greater the tendency towards to follow up on the topics that interest them and that both candidates addressed in their electoral programs, such as purchasing power, wages, energy prices, immigration, reforming the health care system and education. This is reflected in the polarization of the voter towards participation in the electoral process and the formation of a trend to support or reject the candidate.

The second hypothesis states a statistically significant correlation between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook” and the Turnout.

Table (15) The relationship between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” and the Turnout for them. (N = 400)

* Significant at the level of (0.05)                                 ** Significant at the level (0.01)

 The data in the table above indicates the following:

• Using the “person” correlation coefficient, it was found that there was a statistically significant correlation between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates through the social networking site “Facebook” and the Turnout for them. The value of the correlation coefficient was (0.22**), which is a function at the level of (0.01). It can be explained: by the fact that the more the audience is exposed to the topics addressed by two candidates, the greater the interest in following them.

The third hypothesis states that there is a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up to the television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their degree of benefit.

Table (16) The relationship between respondents’ follow-up to television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook,” and the degree of benefit from them (n = 400)

* Significant at the level of (0.05)                                 ** Significant at the level (0.01)

The data in the table above indicates the following

• Using the “person” correlation coefficient, it was found that there was a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up to the television templates used in the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and the degree of benefit from them. The value of the correlation coefficient was (0.22**), which is a function at the level of ( 0.01). This indicates that the more follow-up to the templates above, the greater the degree of benefit from them, to know the latest developments about the electoral campaigns of the French presidential candidates to form the voter’s attitudes towards the candidate he wants, whether negative or positive.

The fourth hypothesis states that there are statistically significant differences between the public viewing of pages based on the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” according to the geographic distribution variable.

Table (17) The significance of the statistical differences between the public viewing of the pages based on the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” according to the geographic distribution variable. (n = 400)

* Significant at the level of (0.05)                                              ** Significant at the level (0.01)

The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• Using the “T-Test,” it was found that there were statistically significant differences between the audience’s viewing of the pages based on the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” according to the variable of geographical distribution and in the direction of residents in urban areas, and the value of (t) = (2.13**) it is significant at the level (of 0.05). This may indicate that they are more daring to follow the pages related to the electoral campaigns, know the election procedures, and obtain information related to the candidates’ programs and the most critical issues addressed by both. This aims to facilitate the process of communication and interactive participation between candidates and users.

The fifth hypothesis states that there are statistically significant differences between the forms of interaction of males and females with the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook.”

Table (18) The significance of the statistical differences between the forms of interaction of males and females with the media coverage of the French presidential elections, which the two French presidential candidates addressed via “Facebook” (n = 400)

* Significant at the level of (0.05)                                              ** Significant at the level (0.01)

 The data in the previous table indicates the following:

• Using the “T-Test,” it was found that there were statistically significant differences between the forms of interaction of males and females with the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook,” and in the direction of males and the value of (T) = (610**) which is significant at the level of (0.01). This may indicate that they are more aware and aware of the issues of the electoral campaigns they follow, which need a kind of boldness and initiative. Therefore, they interact with them to express their opinions about what the candidates refer to, which is reflected in the polarization of the voter towards political participation and the formation of his direction towards His endorsement or rejection of the candidate 

Results

       After conducting the field study, we reached a set of results, the most important of which are:

• The vast majority of respondents confirmed that they prefer to go towards knowing the news of the presidential elections, followed by interest in the news of the candidates and their electoral programs, and then obtain information related to the topics covered by both candidates. Followed by communication and interaction with others about the issues addressed by both candidates, a practical follow-up came voting in the presidential elections and finally allowing an expression of opinion without restrictions on what the two candidates refer to.
• The results indicated a statistically significant correlation between the respondents’ follow-up to the media coverage of the French presidential elections via “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it. This may indicate that the higher the follow-up, the greater the tendency to follow up on topics of interest to them that both candidates addressed in their electoral programs, such as purchasing power, wages, energy prices, immigration, health care, and education reform. This is reflected in the polarization of voters towards electoral participation in favor of or rejecting the candidate.
• The results revealed a statistically significant correlation between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the two French presidential candidates via the social networking site “Facebook” and their Turnout. This can be explained by the fact that the greater the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by two candidates, the more fantastic the Turnout to follow them.
• The results showed statistically significant differences between the forms of male and female interaction with the topics addressed by the French presidential candidates via “Facebook” and in the direction of males. They interact with it to express their opinions about what the candidates refer to. This is reflected in the voter’s polarization towards political participation and the formation of his attitude towards his support for or rejection of the candidate

Conclusion

Through the study, the researchers tried to determine the extent to which the respondents followed the media coverage of the French presidential elections through the social networking “Facebook” and their attitudes towards it. In addition, there is a relationship between the public’s exposure to the topics addressed by the French presidential candidates through the social networking “Facebook” and the rate of demand for it. The differences between the two forms of male and female interaction with the media coverage of the French presidential elections were also revealed, which were addressed by the two French presidential candidates via “Facebook” because the interactive media had a significant impact on shaping the public’s attitudes towards the French presidential candidates in their electoral programs. It reflects the ability of the media to attract voters towards political participation and support for the candidate he wants to reach innovative theories and perceptions within the framework of the relationship between the public and the new media. The study compared a set of recommendations, the most important of which are:

• Emphasize the need for social media to pay attention to news coverage of the electoral process and the polling process, to provide the following public with relevant information, and to adopt a media strategy to educate the public about political participation to attract the most significant number of viewers to achieve broad public involvement in the elections and also, discussing the most critical issues addressed by the candidates and following up on their news. This reflects the diverse nature of the media coverage of these sites.

Research proposals:

In light of the study, the researchers present a set of proposals, namely:

• Employing social networking sites to raise awareness of political participation.
• The Egyptian public’s interaction with the electoral campaigns through “Facebook.”

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[1] Sarah Saeed Abdel-Gawad (2002). Electoral alienation and its relationship to electoral propaganda and its reflection on political participation, research published in the Scientific Journal of Public Relations and Advertising Research, Cairo University, Faculty of Mass Communication, No. 23, January 2022DA.

[2]  Ibrahim Salem Muhammad Eshteiwi (2021). University youth’s dependence on Libyan electronic newspapers in shaping their attitudes towards participating in the electoral process, research published in the Journal of Media and Arts, Libyan Academy of Graduate Studies: Volume 2, Number 6, September 2021DA.

[3] Hanan Matouk Ahmed bin Ahmed (2021). The role of social networking sites in educating Libyan women about political participation, research published in the Journal of Media and Arts, Libyan Academy of Higher Studies: Volume 2, Number 6, September 2021DA.

[4]  Hebat Allah Salih Al-Sayed (2002). Exposure to social networking sites and its relationship to political alienation and its reflection on the political participation of Egyptian youth, research published in the Journal of Media Research, Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Information, Volume 7, Issue 54, July 2020 DA.

[5] Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, Chukwuemeka Enyiazu , Kelechi Elijah Nnamani AND Others (2021). Campaign propaganda, electoral outcome and the dynamics of governance in the post-2015 presidential election in Nigeria, Cogent Social Sciences, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Available at the following link: https://doi.org

[6] Gavra, D., Slutskiy, P. (2021). Trump, Mueller Investigation, and Alleged Russian Election Meddling: Russian Media Coverage in 2017-2019. American Behavioral Scientist, 65(3), 482–511. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764220978455

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[8] Adeola Abdulateef Elega, Felix Adedamola Oloyede, Bahire Efe Özad (2021) “Looking from the Outside in”: A Study on the International Media Coverage and Framing of Nigeria’s 2019 General Election, African Journalism Studies, 42:1, 91-107, DOI: 10.1080/23743670.2021.1887909

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