Politics in the Age of Social Media
Social media spreads more quickly than even legs could do. In just a few minutes on the internet, information can reach thousands of people. This is the power of social media, and everyone has embraced it to reach out to large audiences in the twinkle of an eye. Politics is now everywhere on social media as everyone is interested in sharing news of what is going on.
It is a new development, and politicians are using it to convey their messages, which works faster than what even a post letter could do. You will mostly find information about politics on Twitter (X) and even YouTube.
Back in those days, politics were discussed in Newspapers, and you would see everyone, mostly adults, going to purchase different papers so they could stay informed. Every morning, you would see them on the streets talking and arguing politics, dragging out politicians and their games like their lives depended on it. Of course, what do you expect? It's their country, and everyone must stay informed about what is happening.
Then we saw how politics went from there to be discussed on TV, mostly the black and white ones, and then radio. I don't know if listening to the news on radios still exists as before, but I would tell you that social media has changed that narrative, except for the oldies who live in the village with no TV or networks to keep them informed. Yet, they are never found without their radios in their hands, even while walking to the farm.
With social media, releasing information about politics is as quick as just snapping your fingers — it spreads within seconds. It was through this invention that everyone isn't left in the dark about the happenings of different countries all over the world. And with just the use of tags and some common headlines, news has spread everywhere, letting everyone know what's going on.
We now have politicians making use of such inventions to campaign and bring people to vote for them, even using it as a medium for fundraising or political awareness. No one needs to go out to know what's going on, just from the comfort of their room, news is being streamed online, and things are shown quickly.
I remember the 2020 End Sars/protest and how I was just in my room, but I knew everything, including how the massacre occurred. Everything was streamed online, and we could see a lot, nothing was hidden.
The existence of social media is a great blessing to everyone, including politicians. It's a place where voices are heard, and justice is often meted out for any victims who are oppressed or taken advantage of. People are always protesting online rather than even going around the streets, and still, secrets are exposed, and most issues are addressed publicly. Why? Because social media never forgets, and people are also being careful of what they say including politicians because they know many are watching, and anything they say could be used against them.
Since social media is a great platform to share things happening among politicians and where they are being dragged out to the public, most people still take it as an advantage to spread fake news and most of these are hard to differentiate from the real ones. I believe it's a great blessing for everyone to make use of social media to air their voices out, but at the same time, it's not to start a war on different tribes or religions, as that is becoming increasingly common.
Having social media as a free place to get informed is one beautiful thing, and I believe things could still be maintained positively rather than taking advantage of it to commit irrelevant things, ultimately ruining the reputation of some good politicians.
The images are mine but the thumbnail image was tweaked with ChatGPT after background image was changed
Posted Using INLEO
That is where things happen these days and it has been a blessing. Just like you said and people are still using it in the negative. I just hope we get better.
Yes, hoping to be more better. It is well my sister.
It's quite fulfilling that the good use of social media outweighs the bad. People can now call express their grievance and be sure that it gets to the appropriate office.
Yea, exactly. That's the power of social media and the good side of it. At least, issues are quickly attended to.
Yep 😃
social media is trully the fastest means of sharing information and news, causing politician to adapt its use. i can remember how news papers were sold on highways, but hardly will you see them this days.
Nah, I don't even see any newspaper vendors around anymore since social media has taken over, easing the stress, too.
That's the greatness of social media, in just a matter of minutes the uploaded news reaches millions of people.
Exactly 👍
Before the advent of social media, the conventional media was the only means of being informed about politics. Despite the fact that people gathered in newspaper joints to discuss politics, the discussion was a one way traffic. People's agitation and opinion had no effective way of reaching and affecting those in power.
But social media changed the module of communication when it comes to politics. It offered platforms that serve as mutual ground for anyone regardless of our race to have effective discussion about politics. And also rally support and take action against our government when needed.
That is why the lack of censorship of social media is a source of concern for most country, knowing how easily it could be used to drag any politician or government official.
Yea, with social media, it's never a one way traffic anymore as issues are seen, heard and attended to at the appropriate office. Social media is so powerful.
Thank you for the support.
Social media has both advantages and disadvantages at this time, so it is better that we use things for our own benefit and tell people about its benefits.