The Real Numbers Behind the Votes

People are not only receiving information in new ways because of the evolution of technology, but politics as well.  Now that voters are able to get constant updates on the political candidates through social media it is easier to have an opinion. These opinions can be expressed on social networks and other new media platforms. President Barak Obama was one of the first candidates to perfect the use of social media when communicating with the voters.

"Content analyses are a second concentration, because content is accessible and inexpensive even with little grant support, for the press if not for television and radio programs" (Barnhurst, 2011, p. 578). The fact that it is so economical and gives the candidates a direct contact to the voters eliminates the middlemen, journalists. This allows the political candidates to create the influence and credibility that is necessary for candidacy. When posting information on a social media site or any media platforms it is inevitable that the voters will respond with comments and concerns. As this happens, it would be beneficial for the candidate to respond accordingly, to make sure that they do not allow the voters to create their own opinions without influence. 

President Obama faced a lot of scrutiny for his methods of attracting followers, but in the end he prevailed. By reaching the audience on social networks, he was able to direct them to his personal website and gain their attention on different topics.  Being open to comments and allowing two-way communication made the interaction more relaxed and comfortable for the followers.  "To build new ways of thinking, theories must go beyond instrumental rationality" ( Barnhurst, 2011, p. 585).  This is something that must be done to keep up with the changing society and make the voters want to participate in conversations and elections.

Reference

Barnhurst, K. (2011). The new "media affect" and the crisis of representation for political communication. Sage pub.com/journalsPermissions.nav

DOI:10.1177/1940161211415666

Raine, L. (2012). Social media and voting. Retreieved from Website: http://mprcenter.org/blog/2013/01/how-obama-won-the-social-media-battle-in-the-2012-presidential-campaign/  

Rutlege, P. (2013). How Obama Won the Social Media Battle in the 2012 Presidential Campaign

. Retrieved rom Website:  http://mprcenter.org/blog/2013/01/how-obama-won-the-social-media-battle-in-the-2012-presidential-campaign/