In our daily lives we are able to make decisions based on our beliefs and ideas that we find to be the most attractive. We are selective in all aspects of our lives, but we are even more so when choosing which forms of mass media content we want to be exposed to. As American consumers we are exposed to endless amounts of information on a daily basis. However, only the most engaging content will grab our attention, which varies from individual to individual. For example, if you passed a billboard on the highway, you would only gain interest if it was relevant to your beliefs and preferences. This behavior from the general public is also seen in a political context among our nation's leaders. Elected leaders in America are elected to promote their beliefs to the public, and we, as a democratic nation, are the ones in control. These leaders can influence public attitudes and preferences through the choices they make. This type of choice can be further explained through selective exposure theory, which is the behavioral act of preferring to be exposed to topics and ideas based on one's own positions and ideas. This theory also states that individuals will disagree with beliefs that differ from their own. Understanding this theory could help explain how people are more likely to absorb a piece of media with relevant content they like. Selective exposure is viewed through a political framework as candidates seek support for their beliefs and try to avoid being challenged. A political candidate's beliefs can also influence public attitudes and preferences. Some existing trends in the selective exposure literature provide better research into the effect of this theory on mass media. A r... middle of the paper... I'm moving on. The focus of methodological issues in this study further guides selective exposure theory through empirical and theoretical methods. In conclusion, selective exposure theory has shown a plethora of findings that will continue to expand for years. Previous research has shown this theory appears in some current trends, course topics, and policy issues. The theory suggests that individuals will tend to agree with their own beliefs and ideas while rejecting those that oppose theirs. This theory has been compared to similar ones, such as the hostile media phenomenon and online citizen journalism. With the correlations made, it could be said that selective exposure could extend across a wide range of political communication topics. Although research continues, selective exposure theory will remain a decision-based and viewpoint-dependent theory.