More and more, politicians are embracing the world of social media and even more so, are using video to aid in their political propaganda. This is not a bad thing, in fact it’s great that they are finding more ways to engage the people and are following the trends. But in all honesty, there are good ways to use a system and bad ways to using a system. Social Media is no exception. It can make or break you.
An example of bad use of video in the political arena is Sarah Palin and the famous “blood libel” fiasco. Responding to a current situation instantaniously through a video vlog is one of the perks of social media. This way, you are able to get that instant feedback, however, one must also be careful when posting their responses on youtube, facebook and the like. Make one mistake or say something out of context and there will unfortunately be a lot of repercussions. Another thing to keep in mind is that once it’s on the internet it’s there forever.
When you use a powerful tool such as social media and the internet, use it, but use it wisely and use it well. Social media is powerful stuff, and if you are going to say something on one social application be able and ready to back up and stand by your statements. For example, Tim Pawlent, criticized Romney’s health care plan on twitter,he then did not want to confront Romney on the same stage in a live debate, but would then attack Romney again on his twitter. The only thing this was able to prove was that Pawlent was indeed a hypocrite.
One last example of politics and social media was when President Obama had an open talk and Q&A on facebook earlier this year. Love him or hate him, this is a president that is all about the power of social media and the internet, using it as a positive vehicle and driving force for his political campaign. If anything, it only showed and proved the important of how powerful and useful technology and social media are and how important they will be in the future.
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