Entry 9: Politics in the Internet

Politics have now gone broadband and wireless! Politics around the world including Singapore and the United States have set up accounts in social networking and media sites with the aim of reaching out a wider audience and the younger Internet savvy generation. In addition, it diminishes the communication gap experienced by pervious administrations and their respective voters. Here’s a video about the impact of social media in American politics.

The Obama victory in the 2008 presidential elections was truly a remarkable feat that set new benchmarks for people who set their sights on impossible goals. The whole excitement surrounding the election has definitely brought about changes in American politics and this entire experience can definitely lend tips to other governments who are planning to use the same tool that Obama used that contributed considerably towards his victory: Social Media.

Here are videos of President Obama using social media to his advantage.

The White House even has it's own Youtube page!

The success of social media in Obama’s campaign definitely provides a great learning point for other governments who wish to go the same way. While the results of social media usage might be unpredictable to begin with; if used wisely social media can become an unrivalled medium that can change the face of national politics.