image from Will Lion

Now, I’m not here to promote anyone. I’m just here to talk briefly about how social media has changed politics.

There are so many tools out there that have been integrated into politics. From video and audio to mobile integration. Politicians and causes are able to reach people immediately. Just ten years ago organizations were using mailers and the telephone which took hours of organization, not even counting the actual labor. With that in mind, let’s look at how some of the social media tools have been used to promote political unity and community.

1. Facebook- I can remember when people were saying that putting issues on Facebook was not positive. In fact, some politicians didn’t like a place that wasn’t mediated. Now, we have managers and focus groups available 24/7. People that are engaged in a conversation are talking.

2. Twitter- This microblogging site’s success I think initailly came from 3rd party apps. Now, people not only have a news stream- of thier choice- but they can also mark messages with hashtags (#). Why does this matter? Because it links your content with other tags that have related content. This is unique to Twitter. Hashtags are a great way to see unique conversations, along with different views. Politicians are able to track a pulic conversation between friends. Handy? Oh yes.

3. YouTube- My favorite actually. I was reacently in a training talking about how Oprah is able to get someone’s book on the best seller list because they humanize them. I believe that’s what YouTube and other video sharing sites do. When politicans answer questions publically and post them to be viewed as a reference, they are displaying transparency. Being human is knowing that not everyone is going to agree with you all the time. So if you can say things in a space that is forever, you display bravery and passion- things that all humans can at least respect.

4. Ning- Now, there has been some uproar with Ning saying that it will be phasing out thier free platforms. With that aside, I think it’s important to realize that there is now a way to create your own social networking site for various purposes. For some political issues or topics, having a seemingly more contained arena might give people that ability to communicate better. Politics have some hot button issues, by giving people a ‘safe’ and moderated place to talk about them, allows them to feel protected and safe.

Having these avenues to communicate with voters, lawmakers and private citizens levels the playing field. People are able to have a voice in rural Montanta-online. They can ask questions and answer them too, giving them a sense of belonging in an online space.

That’s valuable.

How have you seen politics change from social media? Have your communications changed with groups in the past few months or years?

Kristina is based in the Twin Cities and eats and breathes social media. Her love for technology’s influence on culture can be found here.

Tags: Facebook, Ning, Social Media, Twitter, youtube