In the burgeoning efforts of Them to get Us to vote, we have in recent times seen an upsurge in political campaigning vi Facebook Groups, Fan Pages; the less than tactful Twitter’s; and a blog-off between the main parties. Much has been noted in previous elections about voter apathy (today is your last day to register to vote btw). However, little has been said on the real models of persuasion that successfully get in on the voting act.
At this stage, we have gone from a two-horse race, to a three-horse stampede. And it seems media does have a part to play. After last weeks broadcast podium pouncing around, and if the media and polls are to be believed, Clegg has secured a rather successful increase in political profile as the friendly face who is actually for change.
For the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu (don’t worry this is just the briefest of brief mentions) his notion of social capital (where capital represents a form of knowledge) was understood through key cultural and economic influences for the transmission of information. Increasingly social media has a role – for the Barack elect it became a naturalisation and part of the process, and for those who want your vote a well placed tweet could represent a serious method by which to secure your support.
One way to understand this sharpening of socially networked tools is by the amplification of some points of interest over others. For instance, it would be too hard/ too much to ask for Gordan Brown @DowningStreet to tweet in detail his latest policy re. Healthcare. Equally no one would be interested in joining a Facebook Group that published the full extent of any Government reform/s. *yawn* Instead the public interest piqued in the shortbite. These are the scaled down snapshots of information whether limited to 140characters or a Wall Post. Accordingly then, our knowledge becomes tit bits to decide on a tick box.
Is this to the degradation of informed political knowledge? Or to be applauded in raising interest in political happenings?…
Related, in other news this week, we’re under a cloud of ash. Rory-Cellan-Jones (he of BBC and Guardian fame) has published about the use of Twitter and social media to #getmehome for those stranded away by the volcanic activities over in Iceland. Aid is also updated via @DowningStreet and @foreignoffice who have been keeping Followers updated with the not-happenings in relation to travel.
Seemingly then, our social networks have started to serve as a useful way to strategically get together with others, for a trip home, to see what the elect is up to, or to find out which political sway friends may hold. I’ve already received six invites this morning informing me that Mr/MsX are supporting red, yellow or blue. And so as various pools of information get increasingly buzzy – although it is quiet what with no planes being in the air – one message is LOUD and clear, and that is the impact of social media heralds these modern times. If only to get you from Calais to home in time to register to vote.
About Dr Mariann Hardey
I hold the position of Lecturer in Social Media Marketing at Durham Business School. I also spend too much time enjoying social technologies, media+ stuff. That'll make me a Geek then. And a gal.
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