Comments on: The social side of politics

By: Debbie Kearns

Debbie Kearns — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 05:37:50 +0000

With its ability for users to become content producers and message consumers alike, social media has become a hub for finding out about key news events, as well as a medium for people to sound off and offer instant feedback. Vivian points to social media’s key role in the Arab Spring uprisings, which were largely orchestrated on Facebook and Twitter. As more and more people get their news and information from social media, it’s crucial that the news media uses the medium wisely. The more open politicians are on social media, the more accessibility the people feel they have to those who govern them.

Obama is a great example of someone who uses social media wisely to engage his supporters and the public. One could argue, however, that the open nature of the Internet/social media can pose a danger to government or national security (Vivian examines the WikiLeaks.org website as an example of this dilemma). Social media is like a double-edged sword; it offers instant accessibility to global news but it oftentimes comes in as 140-character messages that provide little to no context someone might otherwise receive from more traditional media.

By: Kathelin Buxton

Kathelin Buxton — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 01:13:12 +0000

Social media and the internet has cultivated an interesting relationship between the media, the government and their audiences. The open structure and free flow of information gives us a great tool to connect with our congressmen, but certainly puts them under additional scrutiny. Any action, or lack of, is now criticized and used to profile these individuals already under a tough public eye. “In any society, journalists are seen as rather unruly lot who are capable of breaking embarrassing news stories before politicians have a chance to put their own spin on those events” – from The Media Effect. The news media is still seen in this manner, as the pesky intruder into their private lives, and social media has only magnified their presence and influence, such was the case with the Twitter mishap by Anthony Weiner. In order to succeed as a politician in this new age these individuals must embrace and understand how best to connect, Obama has certainly done a good job at this so far, and it will be interesting to see how Romney chooses to use social media in the coming election, as he’s already behind according to this infographic.

By: Jim Willis

Jim Willis — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:22:28 +0000

Thanks for the post, Natalie.

By: Natalie Freeman

Natalie Freeman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:32:28 +0000

I am not very involved in politics, mostly because I am very unaware of most of the things that are going on. But I think that it is really cool that politics has become more engaging. It seems a little closer to home, like how Gregory said that politics are “local”. I do agree that “social” may be the more appropriate term now, but nonetheless, it is closer than before. If I had known that presidential candidates were answering questions submitted via Youtube, I honestly would have watched. There are so many intelligent people in the world and I think that it would be so interesting to listen to their questions and what candidates had to say in response.

By: Jennifer Flores

Jennifer Flores — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:57:59 +0000

The social networks are becoming very popular among people. The social networks where invented for people to socialize but now is full with advertisements. The politicians are now using social networks to pressuade the public. The public is now having political discussions online. The upcomig presidential election is going to be different. The politicans are going to concentrate on the social networks.The major target for politicians has always been young adults because they hardly vote. They know that young adults are very involved in social networks. The social networks started as a communication resource and now it has change that way we live our lives.

By: Casey C. Smith

Casey C. Smith — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:31:38 +0000

Social media is a great medium for democracy. It provides nearly everyone with access to the Internet the opportunity to share questions and concerns for candidates in an open format. For those officials running for office, being able to answer questions from the public seems more plausible for leadership than a scripted question from a moderator. The avenue of change is inherent in Americans and the social media platform being integrated into political debate is just another means of progression. Fifty years ago it was the radio, today we speak in terms of cellular devices and phone applications.

By: Amanda Mikulski

Amanda Mikulski — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:02:01 +0000

My Response to: The social side of politics
We read about this in the Willis book this week. Throughout history politicians have had to decide if they want to go with the media or against it. It seems like going with it gets Politian’s further in the game. Roosevelt was elected three times and has one of the best reputations on all presidents. Bush often made a fool of himself and the way he acted with the press and we remember him for it. Now Obama, who might be having issues in the White House with the state of the economy, but I remember when he was elected so many people were touched by him getting elected. He not only told voters of what he hoped to do for the country, but he also discussed a new chapter for Americans, always hinting that my electing him that history would be changed forever. I think that the social media is going to be just like the radio or the telephone and will be something that is necessary with staying up with modern culture. Those who do not won’t know the latest news, might not know the latest fashions, and won’t know about the viral video that got millions of hits around the water cooler. Times are changing and hopefully for the better as people have more readily available information at their fingertips.

By: Amy Andrus

Amy Andrus — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:00:17 +0000

News has become immediate and as much as we might want to block it out some days, it is right in our face. I find it amazing that when I was a kid, I could turn on a computer to a blank screen and just do what I set out to do. When I turn on my computer today, news and advertisements pop up all over the internet; even if I am not in the mood to look, it is sometimes quite difficult not to. The attraction is undeniable, and politicians, news outlets, and business organizations are just beginning to realize that the instant and persistent communication is priceless and very interactive often creating a personal connection to our lives.
We were so far away from politicians and leaders years ago, and now (whether they choose to listen to us and utilize the potential) we have a more intimate connection with them. It is a quite impressive evolution. While they can use this intimacy to their advantage to connect with the public or explain mishaps immediately for damage control, this social and interactive media age tends to eliminate privacy and “quiet”. We can’t get away from it, and we are just beginning to feel the benefits and consequences.

By: Nakia Valentine

Nakia Valentine — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:43:38 +0000

Gone are the days of Fireside radio chats with the President, welcome the days of YouTube town hall. As much as some people try to resist technology, it’s becoming the only way to be linked into what is going on in the world. It’s funny because I keep saying that I am going to unplug, but it’s virtually impossible (no pun intended). It’s all about the web; emailing versus sending mail, virtual meetings versus the board room, this list could go on and on. Although I would like to unplug, I know I can’t because I would miss everything that is happening in real time. These social mediums let us know what’s going on and tells how we feel immediately. It’s also no longer just the news; a viewer can tweet with celebrities as they watch the premieres of their shows. It’s the new age, and it’s not going anywhere.

By: Alia Noel

Alia Noel — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:12:27 +0000

It is apparent from your blog post and similar new stories, that television networks are desperately trying to figure out how to to obtain immediate feedback. Since the inception of television, there has been a delayed timing of feedback. Other than television comedies, whose feedback derived from live studio audiences whose reaction to the story line was dictated by the flashing “LAUGH” signs, other television show genres lacked the benefit of knowing how the audience felt about their message instantaneously. NBC will definitely cast a wider net with their partnership with Facebook to garner the engagement of its audience.