Social media has had a profound effect on our day to day lives but I want to look specifically at how it has played a role in politics. One of the articles I have read couldn’t have said it better; social media is a form of liberation and empowerment. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are all channels that politicians can use to speak directly to their voters. It’s a sad truth that a lot of people don’t want to spend the time necessary to look up information about who they are voting for. We all want the quick and easy way to get information and make an informed decision. Social media does this for us in an efficient way. An article I read said that 28% of registered voters have used their cell phone for political reasons in the 214 campaign, up from 13% in 2010.
In politics, social media is also a huge form of advertising. Commercials may be published and put onto Youtube for a relatively low cost. They don’t have to pay for air time on the TV or on the Radio. Social media has not only made it easier for voters but also for the politicians to get information out. A poll was taken to figure out why people use social media to follow campaigns and 41 % said that “finding out about political news before other people” is a major reason why they engage in different platforms. Technology has made our world so complex and has opened so many doors for people. Easier access to information is what everyone strives for in their busy work days. It only makes sense to use social media platforms because of how fast and efficient it is.
Another way social media plays a huge role in politics is by getting the attention of a younger audience. It is proven that twitter and Facebook increase the polls and has a huge impact on elections. The common person likes to know that people in power or celebrities are easy to connect with. It makes them seem very similar to the rest of us that also have a Facebook or Twitter. Overall, it is evident that social media platforms are highly correlated to political decisions.
http://uspolitics.about.com/od/CampaignsElections/tp/How-Social-Media-Has-Changed-Politics.htm
http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/11/03/cell-phones-social-media-and-campaign-2014/
Isn't it interesting that we relate more to people when they are on social media?
ReplyDeleteIt's weird to think that back in 1990's all of this stuff wasn't possible. Especially being involved with politics through various phone applications.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. it's weird to me that people even vote at all, when they have no idea who they are even voting for or what that candidate stands for. Social media is the perfect way to get information to the voters and to get the population to know politicians more personally. good job girrrrrl
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing how much knowledge is available to us if we go out looking for it - Megan Jacques
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