Twitter Politics
Twitter is one of the fastest growing social networking sites in the world. Since its launch in 2006, twitter has gained over 500 million registered users. By allowing 140 characters and pictures to be broadcast to a large audience and forwarded by other users, this has become a clear and extremely useful base from which politicians can voice their opinions and reach their constituents. It also allows for users to voice their own beliefs, bringing about change.
What politicians use Twitter? The answer may surprise you. Most would believe it is the more hip and young democrats or independents. However, Republicans are more likely to use their social networking site according to the Department of Political Science at Mercyhurst University. Roughly 34% of the House has a Twitter account. ( Peterson, 2012) Also, demographics did not affect which politicians use Twitter. This means that it does not matter if the politicians presided over rich or poor, young or old. There is a theory that Republicans use Twitter more often is that they are no longer a majority, and are seeking to gain support from younger voters. This idea could stem from the idea that media outlets focus mostly on key players and leaders, which are currently mostly Democratic. If they are using Twitter to gain more for their party, there may be some hope. Less politically affiliated individuals ave shown varying degrees in a change of their view of politicians that use Twitter. ( Lee & Shin, 2012) However, if the politician was well known, there was a dramatic increase in the view point held from those that were less affiliated.
While this website allows for politicians to reach out to possible new voters and constituents, is it wise to use Twitter? Twitter allows for you to privately message or PM another user. This means short messages or pictures could be exchanged. What if a politician “accidentally” sends an undesirable picture to another user. What if a politician says something that is insensitive or downright not a fact? Let us look at the case of Rep. Anthony Weiner that showed an outline of his, um…weiner. This photo harmed his marriage and career. In an instant, his life was irreversibly altered. Sarah Palin also favorited a picture that Ann Coulter tweeted. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn’t depicting President Obama as a Taliban Muslim.
Another issue from politicians using Twitter is that it seems high interactivity (Twitter usage) waters down the serious issues. The page would have more tweets, but less tweets about serious issues. ( Lee & Shin, 2012). Those who read the Twitter pages had more positive thoughts regarding the politician but were less likely to know his or her agendas.( Lee & Shin, 2012) Is this what we really want? Candidates that are close to the people yet do not make it clear what they stand for? If a candidate wants to circle around an issue while still being liked, Twitter may be the best option. Luckily, there will still be intelligent voters who ask direct questions from these candidates.
Twitter is not only a voice for politicians but a voice of the people. In 2011, residents of Wisconsin protested a bill by Governor Scott Walker. (Macafee& Simone, 2012)This bill was controversial. Many used Twitter to spread their message to go against the bill. Liberals who use Twitter for political protests were also more likely to be active with offline protests. (Macafee & Simone, 2012)
Twitter will likely be used more and more in the future for political protests, discussion, and campaigning. Check out these links to see what some of the most popular politicians and political humorists on Twitter are up to.
@BarackObama
@PRyan
@MittRomney
@ColbertReport
@TheDailyShow
Top 5 Twitter Political Scandals
What politicians use Twitter? The answer may surprise you. Most would believe it is the more hip and young democrats or independents. However, Republicans are more likely to use their social networking site according to the Department of Political Science at Mercyhurst University. Roughly 34% of the House has a Twitter account. ( Peterson, 2012) Also, demographics did not affect which politicians use Twitter. This means that it does not matter if the politicians presided over rich or poor, young or old. There is a theory that Republicans use Twitter more often is that they are no longer a majority, and are seeking to gain support from younger voters. This idea could stem from the idea that media outlets focus mostly on key players and leaders, which are currently mostly Democratic. If they are using Twitter to gain more for their party, there may be some hope. Less politically affiliated individuals ave shown varying degrees in a change of their view of politicians that use Twitter. ( Lee & Shin, 2012) However, if the politician was well known, there was a dramatic increase in the view point held from those that were less affiliated.
While this website allows for politicians to reach out to possible new voters and constituents, is it wise to use Twitter? Twitter allows for you to privately message or PM another user. This means short messages or pictures could be exchanged. What if a politician “accidentally” sends an undesirable picture to another user. What if a politician says something that is insensitive or downright not a fact? Let us look at the case of Rep. Anthony Weiner that showed an outline of his, um…weiner. This photo harmed his marriage and career. In an instant, his life was irreversibly altered. Sarah Palin also favorited a picture that Ann Coulter tweeted. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn’t depicting President Obama as a Taliban Muslim.
Another issue from politicians using Twitter is that it seems high interactivity (Twitter usage) waters down the serious issues. The page would have more tweets, but less tweets about serious issues. ( Lee & Shin, 2012). Those who read the Twitter pages had more positive thoughts regarding the politician but were less likely to know his or her agendas.( Lee & Shin, 2012) Is this what we really want? Candidates that are close to the people yet do not make it clear what they stand for? If a candidate wants to circle around an issue while still being liked, Twitter may be the best option. Luckily, there will still be intelligent voters who ask direct questions from these candidates.
Twitter is not only a voice for politicians but a voice of the people. In 2011, residents of Wisconsin protested a bill by Governor Scott Walker. (Macafee& Simone, 2012)This bill was controversial. Many used Twitter to spread their message to go against the bill. Liberals who use Twitter for political protests were also more likely to be active with offline protests. (Macafee & Simone, 2012)
Twitter will likely be used more and more in the future for political protests, discussion, and campaigning. Check out these links to see what some of the most popular politicians and political humorists on Twitter are up to.
@BarackObama
@PRyan
@MittRomney
@ColbertReport
@TheDailyShow
Top 5 Twitter Political Scandals