Politics!

I'll be honest with you politics is definitely a topic that I don’t have much interest in. It's not something I would discuss while having a fancy cup of tea with family or friends. BUT doesn't it get you thinking why we hear about it day in and day out. Why is it that we see this topic everywhere? Well the answers obvious isn't it, the use of Social Media ! This has been the one powerful tool to supporting politicians,  campaigns, advocate organisations as well as getting the message to us citizens; regardless if we care or not. Social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, Wikilinks are among the most popular sites that have been used for political speech and conversation.

‘’A study done by Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project showed that 66 percent of social media users, or 39% of American Adults , engaged in some form of political engagement on social networking sites.’’ (Raine, L & Smith, A,  2012)

The use of Social media has enhanced ‘’democratic conversation and given citizens more of a voice in national debates’’. Social networking systems have shaped the way we think about candidates and specific issues. According to the Pews Research Centre 36% of users say social networking sites are important to keep informed with political news, 25% enjoy debating it to their friends, and 25% have become more politically involved after reading persuasive posts. (Wrtv6, 2012)

Its safe to say that digital technology has enriched ‘’political conversation and engagement’’ allowing people to get ‘’information that helps them evaluate candidates and policy ideas’’ as well as becoming ‘directly persuaded'' by it. (West, D, 2011,) President Barack Obama victories from the 2008 and 2012 election were pretty impressive. ‘’His campaign reached 5 million supporters on 15 different social Networks over the course of campaign season; by November 2008,  (WOW !) He obviously knew what he was doing to attract voters from all over the nation , but what makes him stand out from the rest of the politicians? What did he do to lure young voters in to make him win the 2012 election?

An example includes Obamas campaign releasing an outreach project named ‘’For All’’ directed to young supporters.  The campaign encourages supporters to post photographs of themselves and post them on social media sites by placing ‘’their hand placed  their heart and writing what progress means to you''. (Levy, P, 2012) The purpose for this was to overview issues which matter and need attention. As a youngster myself this captured my attention. With that campaign alone , Obama had a mission, vision and a statement for young people to keep moving forward. He stated that the younger generation will be making the difference for the future.  What a smart approach right ?

References:

1.       Raine, L & Smith, A,  2012, ‘Social Media and Poltical Engagement’, Pew Internet & Amercian Life Project, viewed 9^th January 2013, http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Political-engagement.aspx

2.       Wrtv6, 2012, ‘Research: Social Media Has Real Impact in Poltics,’ Youtube, viewed 9^th January 2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmOTXsdg3o

3.       West, D, 2011, ‘Ten Ways Social Media Can Improve Campaign Engagement and Reinvigorate Amercian Democracy’, Brookings, viewed 9th January 2013, http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2011/06/28-social-media-west

4.  Levy, P, 2012, 'Obama Campaign Launches ''For All'' Intiative To Engage Young Voters, TPMLIVEWIRE, viewed 10th January 2013, http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/obama-campaign-launches-for-all-initiative-to-engage
5. BarackObamadot.com,  2012, '"Gotta" - Obama for America Radio Ad, viewed 10th January 2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDp4I74Ywbs&feature=player_embedded#!

Week 7 - Academic Group Poster