Explain what role the present-day mass media can have on both the public and on the government.

One unfortunate role is the spreading of misinformation. False news reports designed to get clicks are shared before people verify that what they are sharing is true. This leads to people believing false stories and even acting and voting based on this information.

Politicians in government (thought they may not believe the stories) know they must act based on this misinformation in order to secure votes from the people who believe them.