Politics…..bleurgh

Power and limitation of internet for political campaigning. 

The use of the internet is so powerful in today’s society that information can be spread from one nation to another in mere seconds. In the events of a political campaign, the media goes crazy chasing after political heads as they fight to win votes from the people. But these political parties have taken to social networking sites especially the ones more popular with his/her country. Twitter and Facebook stand up top as the most popular sites among politicians.

Barrack Obama is one such person who has taken the Twitterdom by storm. His followers amount up to 23 million, with countless fan pages on twitter dedicated to this one man! He is seen to be somewhat of a celebrity in the States as well as all around the world. This man can do no wrong especially in the eyes of the youths who view him as a rock star  When he recently visited Myanmar, he was so widely received that banners of the American flag were waved enthusiastically and it appeared to be something similar to a procession of some sorts.

Hence, the internet is a very important medium for political parties/leaders to use to spread their influence over wide areas as well as to allow them to seem more accessible to their people. This would therefore, increase their popularity as well as the trust that the public will have on them.

Some have even been lambasted on social networking sites. Take Singapore’s very own political ‘bad guy’, Tin Pei Ling. She was part of PAP’s political party and once the public got word of her facebook account, her pictures became the laughing stock and she got hurled abuses from every side. This is so unfair to her as she’s just doing her job and in the end, her entire personal life is put out on a platter for everyone to judge.

Hence, the internet can definitely be used to further strengthen the political campaign of a particular individual, but it may also harm their chances of winning. Especially with the use of forums and discussion boards where individuals are able to voice their opinions and sway that of the neutral which may further detriment or improve the standings of the political parties.

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Young adults and youth, apathetic towards politics. 

I, am definitely not someone involved nor interested in politics. The whole talk of voting and ‘fake’ competition just screams fake to me. I do not enjoy hearing individuals speak of good things they wish for the country and laugh as soon as their backs are turned away. But thats just me.

Most of my classmates take a huge interest in the political campaigns between Romney and Obama that discussions about the campaigns can be heard in every class. Also, most seem very literate in that area and even take a stand.

However, the lack of entertainment value may be attributed to this. The American politics are always so hyped up with big celebrities lending their hands in helping to raise funds for the political campaign of their choice. In singapore, politics is treated as something ‘sacred’ and many are scared to voice out their opinions in fear of being thrown into jail. Demonstrations are rarely heard of, and those that get caught, are thrown into jail as well. Protests against anything is heard, will also be thrown into jail. Though there are avenues to raise concerns as well as to voice opinions, there are ways to go about this, but the American way has proven to be best in getting the public or youths involved.