Social Media In Presidential Elections

The 1920’s was the era radio transformed presidential elections. Now, presidential elections are hearable, readable, and seeable on what is known today as “SOCIAL MEDIA.” During the last two elections, social media played a significant role in presidential campaigns and voter engagement. In 2008, President Obama was the first presidential candidate to use social media as a platform to engage and influence millennial voters. Today, we see Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Jeb Bush as the first politicians to join Snapchat to reach voters. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are used largely by politicians to reach millennials and undecided voters. Pew Research Center reported that 65% of Americans have a profile on social media, and 90% of those profiles are created by young adults ages 18 to 29. This increase on social media during the election cycle is due to the ever evolving …show more content…
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are free for candidates to use and share their agendas, unlike paid door-knockers and yard signs. These platforms allow candidates to connect with users on an intimate and personal level. Candidates can share stories through interviews, graphics, and short reels as they travel from state to state. President Obama made good use of social media by engaging with voters through a Q&A on the social website Reddit. Some users of the site were supporters and undecided voters who wanted to know his thoughts on the Patriot Act and student loan debt. Obama’s Reddit Q&A also allowed voters to see his personality, for instance, one person asked, “What’s the recipe for the Whit House’s beer?” and he responded by saying “It will be out soon! I can tell from first-hand experience, it is tasty.” Reddit allowed Obama to engage with voters, persuade them to register to vote, and show his