Politics in social media

Politics in social media, an evolution? or perhaps just another weapon in the arsenal of professional bull-shit artists. Facebook and YouTube have been introduced into the political sphere as legit tools in augmenting political campaigns, the problem? Most of the politicians don't know their way about, I mean have you heard of John Edwards? He was the first guy to introduce his candidacy through YouTube.

Yeah this guy....

Too bad only a few people ever watch it, so he was left in the dark...like those YouTube videos that get views below the 100's. Despite that it didn't deter the onset of politicians using the mediums of YouTube and Facebook to get their messages across, I mean its a good idea in attempting to reach a wider, younger audience. However unless the content is interesting, most will bat an eye and proceed to the next viral video. In most cases a video containing a politicians embarrassing moments are more likely to be viewed than their announcement of candidacy or campaign. Politicians began to utilize every piece of technology for reaching the masses in a bid to gain support for their political campaign, with YouTube being the platform of choice. It was believed that a YouTube presence not popularity, PRESENCE was essential in gaining support from younger audiences. So what ended up happening is a burst of politicians uploading boring videos, with all the view counts going to videos which involve Politician bloopers.

A variety of social mediums

Now don't get me wrong, utilizing all of the available resources to achieve a goal is a splendid idea, just... maybe they didn't do it right. When using a medium one is not familiar of, one must first consult thou expert on such subject! Better yet look at examples, and see how the mediums community does it. As only through understanding and realizing the flow of things can one create a truly fitting piece in said medium as well as break outside the box with SUCCESSFUL results. The result ended up being politicians using their old school approach on the modern medium, formal and boring. However there were some politicians who got it, I'm looking at you Obama!

You ain't got shit on me Dawg!

One could say that Obama's campaign utilized social media very effectively including video streaming sites such as YouTube. In this particular situation, Obama managed to rouse the young adults of America to vote and become interested in politics with his hip presentation and style. It wont be long until other politicians will learn from his example and begin interesting campaigns online. The hard part is building credibility online as once something is upload online it can stay there indefinitely, meaning image is incredibly important. One slip-up seen by a person can be shared with millions online, and everyone loves slip-ups, screw ups more than success when your a spectator. Through the evolution of technology politics just got more complex bringing a host of new possibilities and risks. Meaning once again trolls shall be involved in undermining the political sphere as such is the case in any online source.