What is trending for Social Media & Politics?
These Blogs are for a University of Malta Assignment.
We have seen that the internet evolved by providing endless information through different media in the shortest possible time. This was also assisted by advances in supporting software and hardware. Initially, there was just a trend for public use of the internet and the potential impact of social media on politics was more a matter of conjecture. The good thing about the internet was that it was constantly facilitating self-expression. This facility, however, provided an opportunity for politicians as well. The subsequent involvement of political parties in social media created two questionable points: whether this furthered democracy or facilitated political agendas. Opinions on this issue differ, but, nevertheless, social media has now established itself as an important channel of communication between politicians and their communities. (A. Calderaro 2017)
With the use of social media as a platform for political discourse, the availability of information generated a series of claims, debates and campaigns that targeted citizens for their support, funds and votes. In this way social media facilitated the transfer of a two-way rapport. It was understood that in exposing the public to more political information, this could energize more political commitment. Thus political communication translated to an investment. The main criticism that this approach generates is that the speed of circulation at times deteriorates the quality of the news that is being provided. There is also the added risk of receiving wrong or fake information that at times could be further supported with doctored pictures.
Notwithstanding this threat of fake news, whilst, prior to digital media, journalists had to travel to the source of the news or rumor, the flexibility of social media can allow the collection and transmission of information from their offices. So, the quality of the news, would all depend on the reliability of the information providers. Ultimately social media remains a key element in political exposure as it facilitates fast communication between political happenings and the community.
By focusing on issues pertaining to their communities, addressing prevailing challenges, giving voice to concerns and feedback from the more politically active constituents, politicians can reach out more personally to their audience, creating a more personal empathy which, in future, would translate to more specific support (through the vote).
When I read about various political and presidential campaigns, the amount of money spent towards advertising and attracting the media constitutes a crucial line of action to attract voters. Now, there is the added advantage that social media channels are not so expensive as they were in the past, and, furthermore, they can provide almost instant access. In a way this gives a new entrants to politics a better chance as with limited funds they can still reach out to different constituents. In this way social media has changed the nature of political communication because it is a tool that connects politicians directly to their audience. The availability of various tweaks such as ‘like’ or ‘follow’ buttons provides further feedback from potential voters, on their support.
Social media platforms have developed as tools that provide instant communication. They can be used to support diverse forms of personal and party advertisements. The use of different languages also facilitates in reaching out to people of different communities. It is evident that social media platforms have changed the way citizens experience politics in that it is reaching out to more people and also enabling the opinion of minorities. It is also been developed as forefront tool by politicians: On May 4th 2009 Donald Trump sent his first Tweet and following 46,919 Original Tweets and 59,553 Tweets and Retweets he ended up with 88,936,841 Followers and 389,842,552 Retweets Received plus 1,659,180,779 Likes Received. The Twitter account was suspended after supporters stormed the Capitol. (https://www.tweetbinder.com/blog/trump-twitter/)
The use of social media to increase a politician’s popularity is unquestionable. However misinformation or misuse could create serious issues. Therefore, whilst the interaction between politicians and their audience is being facilitated by the social media, care should be taken to ensure that untruthful or illegal content is identified and removed immediately. The provision of a more participatory, open and democratic approach based on integrity translates to a win-win situation for all.
