Political Parties Being Replaced by Social Media

It is an evident part of our lives, the one thing everyone checks periodically throughout the day, and the new craze that is catching attention all around the world: social media. But if we were to intertwine social networking sites and politics together, what would the result be? It would be an innovative way of thinking that is only applicable to our generation right now. Currently, people say that they hear three fourths of news through things like the news, or Facebook. Replacing political parties with Web2.0 sites could definitely act as key fundraising networks in the American political life because of its ability to reach a wide array of people at any given time.

 

                With the ability to share different opinions and sources with the click of a button, people can get their point across without having to set up fancy press events or call in for backup. This makes it especially easy for the various political parties to debate with each other. In a recent study done by CBS news, evidence was shown (in the form of bar graphs) displaying what people do to promote political parties online based on different age groups. For example, the data shows that people ages 18-29 tend to show the highest percentage of liking/promoting political parties, encouraging others to vote, and posting political links on websites such as Facebook.  I believe that this is already a small step in the long run of the slow replacement of political parties in the American Culture.

 

This is especially true considering the fact that these people who are partaking in the advertisement of the parties are in their late teens to early twenties. That is a major achievement coming from such a young generation. Some statistics I found interesting were that liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans are most likely to post links and stories for others to read in order for them to get a point across. Another interesting thing I found while researching political parties and social media is that it is a worldwide trend. People from all over the world are active in social networking. Some countries documented are Africa, Latin America, North America, and South America. Imagine the widespread of information political parties could have if they were replaced with numerous websites that are able to reach anyone at any time. And without the control of political parties, people would be able to choose whom they wanted to vote for, and why. Everyone would have the ability to listen to other’s opinions and research what they choose without feeling like they are forced to choose between certain parties. Social networking helps everyone in the long run because of the easier access to politics. Voting would be more laid-back if we got our resources online for the simple fact that it gives people the freedom to vote for whom they want to on the premise they want to. 

 

 

Sources:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57544570/pew-social-media-as-a-political-tool-on-the-rise/

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/social_media/review.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media