- Congress members post about mass shootings on social media.
- Some members post more often than others after events.
- Democrats post much more after mass shootings happen online.
- Republicans do not change their posting much online.
- Posts increase when there are more deaths in shootings.
- Posting rises if the shooting is in home state.
- Most attention ends quickly after about two days.
- Researchers collected posts from many members over two years.
Difficult words
- shooting — an event where people are shot or hurtmass shootings, shootings
- social media — websites and apps where people share posts
- member — a person who belongs to a groupmembers
- death — when a person stops livingdeaths
- home state — the state where a person lives
- attention — notice or interest from other people
- researcher — a person who studies a topic to learnResearchers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you post on social media after a news event?
- Do you follow posts from politicians online?
- How many days do you follow a news event after it happens?
Related articles
Media Coverage of the Vidovdan Protests in Belgrade
An analysis by Nataša Stanojević, published by ISAC and republished by Global Voices, examines media and political reactions to the large June 28 Vidovdan protests in Belgrade and highlights arrests, media framing, and risks to democracy.
Study warns of heavier rain and hotter nights in Tanzania
New research warns parts of Tanzania will see more extreme rainfall and rising temperatures. Experts say farmers, health and cities will be affected and call for stronger national policies, preparedness and community climate finance.
Young men in South Korea move to the political right
Surveys after the June 2025 snap presidential election show many young men in South Korea have shifted to the political right, creating a large gender gap on feminism, redistribution and immigration, even as most still support democratic rules.