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How can social media influence the electoral process?

Ferdinand McOrkil

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Well, social media has become a powerful tool that can significantly influence the electoral process in many ways. This is because it offers a platform for candidates to connect with their audience. And for voters, social media offers a means to keep up with political news and connect with fellow citizens who share their interests.

For starters, social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram give politicians a chance to speak directly and authentically to their voters. These platforms enable candidates to update their supporters on their campaign efforts and events. This can range from town hall meetings to rallies, which can attract new supporters to the candidate's side.

In addition to providing regular updates, social media offers candidates a chance to engage in open discussions and debates with voters. These open forums give candidates a chance to learn about the concerns and needs of their audience, allowing them to shape their policies and platforms accordingly.

But social media's impact on the electoral process also goes beyond just candidates' outreach tactics. One important way social media influences the electoral process is through the spread of fake news. Social media is rife with bots, trolls and people who are paid to post misleading content that may sway public opinion.

These fake stories can quickly gain traction and influence a lot of people, especially those who lack the time or inclination to investigate further. As a result, fake news has resulted in voter fraud cases and has changed the political landscape in various countries.

Another way social media can impact the electoral process is through the algorithms used by social media platforms that curate the content that people see. Facebook and Google are among the biggest advertising firms in the world, and they have a strict policy to ensure that ads are not used in political campaigns without proper authorization.

However, it is still possible for some employees within these companies to be biased towards one candidate or the other. This can lead to skewed algorithms which influence the way people see and perceive political stories.

Overall, social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way politics is conducted. While it has provided a platform for candidates to reach a wider audience, it's essential to recognize the influence of fake news and the algorithms that social media platforms use. In the end, it is the responsibility of each voter to use their critical thinking skills to verify the accuracy of the information presented on their feeds.