Social Media and Politics

Social media plays an important part in politics today.  If a politician wants to win the election, it will be a gross mistake to overlook the role played by the social media. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and even YouTube, are some of the most potent social networking sites online these days. Harnessing the potentials of these sites can provide competitive edge to the politician or the entire political party.

 

Quick Dissemination of Information

The lightning speed with which social media can disseminate information is simply astounding.  News pertaining to politics or announcements made by politicians would reach all parts of the globe in just a matter of seconds. One Facebook or Twitter posting could be seen by millions of people worldwide, depending on the number of follower the politician has.

Quick access to political news provided by social media sites is unprecedented. Take for example the recent uprisings in Middle East, the Egypt and Tunisia protesters turned to Facebook to voice out their political views and concerns.  This eventually toppled the reigning regime at that time.  Social media can practically change the course of political history if utilized well.

Mobilize Citizens and Youth Votes

Social networking sites can quickly mobilize political movements or political campaigns. One Tweet or Facbook status message by a powerful political figure can mobilize citizens into action.  This is particularly useful during elections wherein politicians need to gather people quickly in a specific area for their political campaign.

Followers of the politician will quickly know where or when the meeting or political rally will be.  Since billions of people are utilizing social media these days, the news will spread rapidly.  The political party can expect a huge turnout in their political rallies.   

A huge number of social media users are the young people.  Political analysts had lamented the lack of active participation of this demographic in the elections.  The use of social media can change all that.  Using the social media makes it easier for election candidates to target the youth and generate their support for the electoral campaigns. 

Break Barriers

The reach of social media goes beyond national borders.  The political party or figure can reach millions of people in all parts of the globe in seconds.  Even at a national level, the networking sites are extremely helpful.  Instead of visiting each and every state, the politician can announce his plans or does his campaign strategy online.

It is highly cost effective, convenient and quick to begin political campaigns online. 

Connect Personally with the Crowd

Social networking sites make it possible for politicians to talk to constituents, supporters or even their critics and foes online.  They can express their views to their followers.  The followers can also provide their ideas on a certain topic, for instance.  It is a great way to get to know supporters on a more personal level.

It would have been physically impossible for a politician to talk to each and every supporter. But with online media sites, he can do so without leaving the comforts of his home. This is vital for the political party because they get to understand what the ordinary people are thinking thus, making it easier for them to address their concerns.

The social media creates a platform for citizens that enable them to voice their opinions immediately and effectively.  This was the strategy utilized by the then US presidential aspirant and current US President Barack Obama.  While his opponents focus on impressing the bigwigs, President Obama focused his campaign on grassroots campaigning. 

He personally communicated with the voters in his website and social media accounts and provided them with straightforward answers to their queries.  Consequently, the voters feel confident in voting for him.  His campaign style of allaying the apprehensions of the masses later won him the votes.

The power of social media can make or break a political figure.  They cannot be undermined. Failure to utilize the free networking sites for political activities is a major mistake.  The social media provides the masses a venue to communicate with the ruling classes. At the same time, help political parties promote their political agenda.