PEACE SELLS, BUT WHO'S BUYING?

Personally, I hate politics. I generally try and keep away from the political scene and avoid any discussion of the sense. Now at the risk of offending someone I will discuss politics.

Politics according to the Oxford Dictionary is the activities which are associated with the government. Generally resulting in debates between the parties in power. 

Politicians now have the ability to campaign through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter which can ultimately enhance their image. In the recent US election, Obama spent more money than his opponents on social media and the benefits of doing so are evident in his re-election for presidency.

Social Media is significantly important in political campaigns these days due to the ability to reach a larger audience.  By using social media tools, politicians have the power to control the content (to a degree) that is delivered to society (Kennedy, 2013). 

The use of social media by politicians makes them seem more human, more real which makes it easier for people to relate to them like when Kevin Rudd's cat Jasper died. People felt apart of the experience because Kevin kept everyone updated when they visited the vet. This tactic can be very influential on the political campaigns as it creates a deeper connection to the politician.

In the endless battle of politics, social media can be a godsend and a ruthless tool to enhance ones image and put someone else down. Social media is useful in the sense that when an opponent makes an error or mistake, the opponent has the ability to hone in on this gaffe and share it numerous times to their followers making social media a great and powerful tool for competition. Although I do admit, that sometimes this can be utilised in an unfair way to make the opponent look bad. But I guess that's the world of politics! 

It has been said that social media can be both a good thing and a bad thing for politicians but in the world of politics any exposure to society will be either good or bad. Social media allows politicians access 24/7 to share and spread their messages but this requires the need for constant supervision to filter all content that might be delivered to the people of society.  One issue that the politicians have to worry about is that once its out there, it will always be out there and it will most likely resurface in the future.

Although the constant in your face posts from the politicians, it seems that they still are grasping their grounds and getting used to the ever-increasing technological world that now exists. For politicians to succeed in their electoral campaigns they do not necessarily need social media, however research indicates that social media does have a huge impact on the votes with the messages reaching a younger demographic who make up approximately 21% of all voters (Swan & Vistentin, 2013).

Below is a spoof of the Australian politicians however the video seems to be neutral and targets both the Liberal and Labour party. It is quite funny!

Signing out for now, See you next week! KM

References

Kennedy, K, 2013, ‘Use it or lose it’, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, 22 February, viewed 6 January 2014, <http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/social-media-role-young-voters-increase-future-US-elections-Obama-Facebook-Twitter>

Politics, viewed 15th January 2014, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/politics

Swan, J & Visentin, L, 2013, ‘Political heavyweights are online, upfront and in your face’, SMH.com.au, 8 August, viewed 6 January 2014, <http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/political-heavyweights-are-online-upfront-and-in-your-face-20130807-2rgpc.html>

Wrecking Australian Politics - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as5OGE1Idng