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What impact will social media have on election coverage?

Scott McLanaghan

Social media has revolutionized the way we engage with politics, and it has already had a significant impact on election coverage. The reach of social media platforms has given voters a larger platform to share and exchange their views and find campaign information.

One of the most obvious benefits of social media is the ease of disseminating information. Various social platforms offer newsites opportunity to reach a wider audience than before. Candidates can also share their platforms and policies, rally support, and raise funds— taking advantage of social media's connectivity and power. Social media can broadcast rallies, debates, and events to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to such events in real-time.

Moreover, social media has enabled voters to weigh in their opinions and influence political leaders. In many cases, voters can share feedback on candidates' campaigns and platforms, or influence the messaging politicians put out on the campaign trail. Direct communication tools like live chat and messenger bots provide citizens the chance to interact and engage with political candidates, breaking down communication barriers leading to more participatory democracy.

On the downside, social media can also spread disinformation and fake news, one aspect of its influence that has been negatively exploited recently. Misinformation and propaganda have been circulated through social platforms, leading to proliferation of fake news among the electorate. However, it is still safe to say that social media has had a more significant overall positive effect than negative.

Social media has also changed the way we receive our news during election campaigns. We can now access news instantly, plus get breaking information and live streams on social platforms. Social media has even become an important source of news, outpacing traditional news outlets. According to a 2020 Pew study, more than half of U.S. adults reported getting their news from social media.

There is no solely positive or negative impact social media will have on election coverage because humans are not solely positive or negative. Online platforms are simply tools that amplify certain aspects of human behavior and norms. It is essential to approach social media cautiously, particularly with regards to sourcing information and the level of confidence we hold in it. However, at the same time, it is equally significant to acknowledge that the connection offered by social media is changing the nature of democracy. Without moving into a polarized debate on its merits, the democratic aspect lies in increasing and shaping the number of participants, leading to more significant democratic outcomes.

In conclusion, social media has significantly impacted election coverage. On one hand, social media has made it easier for campaigners to reach a wider voter audience. On the other hand, this initiative will occasionally lead to the proliferation of disinformation and fake news; however the system still appears to have a positive overall effect. The spread of digital news, live streaming events, and direct communication through social media provides an active mechanism for democracy. Social media is an invaluable tool, and it is up to both citizens and political players to handle this advantage cautiously and responsibly.