Is Social Media positive for democracy?
In recent years, social media had played an integral part in different political processes. Many political campaigns rely on the use of these platforms to influence youth knowledge and participation in voting decisions. The Egyptian Presidential Election in 2014 and the more recent Québec election are proof of the impact and reach that networking sites can have on citizens. The purpose of this blog post is to look at how social media has affected election campaigns, but also continues to long after. Perhaps the most obvious example is Donald Trump’s digital campaign during his presidential election. It’s safe to say that his active participation on Twitter has been controversial.
We begin to wonder if social media is indeed a positive thing for democracy. There are definitely benefits and drawbacks to these networking platforms. First, social media are platforms that allow open and free discussions in the context of a public sphere. In a democracy, it is important for people to express their views, opinions and ideas for parties to better know what the citizens want and need. Social media encourages participation in politics whether it is by encouraging people to vote or simply by keeping an eye on what the government is doing to make sure they are not abusing of their power. According to Ekwueme, candidates for the 2016 presidential election of the United States “took advantage of this platform to make voters aware of them, mobilize them and also participate in the process.” (66) For candidates, social media platforms give them more than just visibility. It allows them to create a unique relationship with the electorate. This relationship, in the context of election, is a key aspect. If people feel close to the candidate, then they will support him or her.
The concept of using social media in the political sphere isn’t necessarily negative. However, the way users adopt them has given negative connotations to the relationship between social media and politics. This negative use of social media was highly present during the 2016 presidential elections. “Electoral candidates bastardised the use of social media by making use of hate speeches, and personal attacks” by allowing users to say things they normally wouldn’t face to face. (Ekwueme 66) Moreover, not everyone has the same influence on social media. Therefore, not every voice is equal. People like Donald Trump, Kayne West, and other celebrities and influencers have a big online community. In consequence, their opinions reach a larger audience than the ordinary person. This gives them a great power within democratic system.
Even though Trump’s use of social media during his political campaign was extremely effective, it was certainly disputable. The President continues to personally attack and bully people on his Twitter page to this day. This situation has opened up a bigger discussion on social media and democracy. Many Trump supporters are receiving backlash from other people in the same industry. For example, Kanye West, who recently deleted his instagram page, has recently received counterblast from the famous singer Lana Del Rey via a comment on a picture posted, in which he stated his support of Trump.
Although not everyone has the same influence on social media, a simple post could have an impact on an individual. The example of Kayne West and Lana Del Rey shows precisely why social media might actually be a good thing for democracy. A political discussion was open within one post showing a counter argument by another artist in the same industry.
We begin to wonder if social media is indeed a positive thing for democracy. There are definitely benefits and drawbacks to these networking platforms. First, social media are platforms that allow open and free discussions in the context of a public sphere. In a democracy, it is important for people to express their views, opinions and ideas for parties to better know what the citizens want and need. Social media encourages participation in politics whether it is by encouraging people to vote or simply by keeping an eye on what the government is doing to make sure they are not abusing of their power. According to Ekwueme, candidates for the 2016 presidential election of the United States “took advantage of this platform to make voters aware of them, mobilize them and also participate in the process.” (66) For candidates, social media platforms give them more than just visibility. It allows them to create a unique relationship with the electorate. This relationship, in the context of election, is a key aspect. If people feel close to the candidate, then they will support him or her.
The concept of using social media in the political sphere isn’t necessarily negative. However, the way users adopt them has given negative connotations to the relationship between social media and politics. This negative use of social media was highly present during the 2016 presidential elections. “Electoral candidates bastardised the use of social media by making use of hate speeches, and personal attacks” by allowing users to say things they normally wouldn’t face to face. (Ekwueme 66) Moreover, not everyone has the same influence on social media. Therefore, not every voice is equal. People like Donald Trump, Kayne West, and other celebrities and influencers have a big online community. In consequence, their opinions reach a larger audience than the ordinary person. This gives them a great power within democratic system.
Even though Trump’s use of social media during his political campaign was extremely effective, it was certainly disputable. The President continues to personally attack and bully people on his Twitter page to this day. This situation has opened up a bigger discussion on social media and democracy. Many Trump supporters are receiving backlash from other people in the same industry. For example, Kanye West, who recently deleted his instagram page, has recently received counterblast from the famous singer Lana Del Rey via a comment on a picture posted, in which he stated his support of Trump.
Although not everyone has the same influence on social media, a simple post could have an impact on an individual. The example of Kayne West and Lana Del Rey shows precisely why social media might actually be a good thing for democracy. A political discussion was open within one post showing a counter argument by another artist in the same industry.
References:
Ekwueme, M. C., & Folarin, S. (2018). Social Media and Electioneering: The Case of the United
States 2016 Presidential Election. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Relationes
Internationales, 11(1).
States 2016 Presidential Election. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Relationes
Internationales, 11(1).
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