The Butterfly Effect of Brexit: The Impact on Media and Politics a Decade Later

Abstract

The media, through spectacle, shape not only our everyday habits but also our political decisions. This paper focuses on images as the primary tool through which spectacle is manifested in the media sphere. In the modern age, the manipulative power of images has been further strengthened by appearance of artificial intelligence. From this perspective, artificial intelligence is viewed as a tool used in conducting pre-election campaigns. This paper examines the consequences of the referendum on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit. The 2016 referendum provides clear guidelines and mechanisms for the spectacularization of political events. Brexit is primarily understood as a social phenomenon rather than solely a historical-political event. The paper analyzes the relationship between media and politics, paying particular attention to the growing influence of social media. At the time of writing, a decade has passed since the referendum. However, Brexit remains significant because of the relationship that existed between the media and political actors at the time. By laying the foundations for the modern spectacularization of political decision-making, the referendum created a momentum that continues to shape the ways in which media and social media influence the political choices of the public.