Social media can't be ignored when you want to win an election, especially when you want to save cost these days. With how US President Barack Obama has utilized social media in drumming up support for this presidential campaign is something that we should learn from, not necessarily applying all of it.
After Obama won the 2008 US Presidential election, national and even local candidates rushed to study on how Obama used social media effectively. Online people who have accounts on social networking and micro-blogging sites have observed the several politicians who wants to get connected with almost everyone.
There's nothing wrong with this. I believe that by doing so, they're establishing new connections to the ordinary people. Sure there might be some accounts that are being handled by their staff, but I believe that they would be guided by what their boss' position on certain issues are.
Most of the politicians have been lurking on Multiply, Friendster, Twitter, Plurk and Facebook. Facebook has been the rising social networking site here in the Philippines with more and more people signing up, though Friendster still remains on top but sliding down its position. Twitter and Plurk are the leading micro-blogging sites here and are effective tools on spreading viral videos, news, tips and even rumors.
But as of this time, it can still be hard for a politician to win in an election by just relying on social media. This time, as I say. Ads on traditional media like TV, radio and print is still needed. As of now, social media can complement these. I'm hoping that the day would come when we shift the electoral battle from the mainstream media to the new media.
Below is a video clip on my interview in ABS-CBN's Maayong Buntag Kapamilya on the Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo segment:
After Obama won the 2008 US Presidential election, national and even local candidates rushed to study on how Obama used social media effectively. Online people who have accounts on social networking and micro-blogging sites have observed the several politicians who wants to get connected with almost everyone.
There's nothing wrong with this. I believe that by doing so, they're establishing new connections to the ordinary people. Sure there might be some accounts that are being handled by their staff, but I believe that they would be guided by what their boss' position on certain issues are.
Most of the politicians have been lurking on Multiply, Friendster, Twitter, Plurk and Facebook. Facebook has been the rising social networking site here in the Philippines with more and more people signing up, though Friendster still remains on top but sliding down its position. Twitter and Plurk are the leading micro-blogging sites here and are effective tools on spreading viral videos, news, tips and even rumors.
But as of this time, it can still be hard for a politician to win in an election by just relying on social media. This time, as I say. Ads on traditional media like TV, radio and print is still needed. As of now, social media can complement these. I'm hoping that the day would come when we shift the electoral battle from the mainstream media to the new media.
Below is a video clip on my interview in ABS-CBN's Maayong Buntag Kapamilya on the Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo segment:
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