How does the social media effect political socialization and what are the implications for the future?

[Lizbeth A]

[Polly]

No such thing as the media anymore--just pundhits who manipualte the facts to promote an ideologue!

The "media" are Propagandists bought and paid for by their advertisers and big govt...nothing more any more.

News is a thing of the past--you must discover the truth yourself--cause the "govt run propaganda media is like Hitlers' SS--promoting the corrupt govt's agenda.

[WinonaGal]

Wow, that question of yours is quite the mouthful. What I would like is more clarification from you in order to address is.
The "social media" must be defined as Twitter, Facebook, etc. I guess?
Political socialization? Are you referring to just being social with politicians on line or chatting about politics with friends/people of similar interest? Spreading of lies, rumors?
Or, are you referring to a trend among progressives to turn this country into a socialist nation?
More definitions are warranted, I think.
One comment I have to make about social media is that yesterday, Newt Gingrich announced his run for the presidency on Twitter. Interesting way to go about it, I suppose. I presume his followers included the major news outlets as they picked up on it right away. I personally feel Twitter is pretty useless and seldom visit. Facebook is something I have fun with and try to keep on the lighter side and refuse to get into political debates on it.