The Impact of Social Media on Voters

Social media is one of the most powerful tools used in today’s society.  During the 2012 Presidential Election, people have taken complete advantage of Twitter and Facebook to either show political support or dislike towards a candidate.  Intentionally or not, these statements or opinions made in social media have an impact on undecided or on edge voters.  The majority of the undecided and on edge voters come from ages 18-24.
Currently there are one billion active users on Facebook and Twitter is approaching five millions users.  A large portion of those users age from the younger demographic.  With little interest in politics, it is hard to reach the 18-24 demographic.  But one of the easiest ways to reach the younger generation is thru the world of Twitter or Facebook.
According to Politico newspaper correspondent Tony Romm,”We see the same thing with Facebook, when a user shares a news story about something a candidate has done. And then, that begins to explode, eventually winding up in major newspapers, making major headlines across the country. So, it has a huge effect.”
Romm says once the piece of information begins to bounce around, it will be shared, repeated and reverberated.
[slideshow]
The Pew Research Center reports 25% of social media participants who read about political issues online become more active, and 16% change their view after reading about it online.
Junior at Morehead State, Nate Parker says, “Over the past month, both my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been filled with political posts.  I usually get a good laugh from them, but don’t pay that much attention to them.”
Parker has stayed updated on the issues this election, but said he could see how certain posts could change a less aware voters mind.
In 2008 the younger generation ‘rocked the vote’, showing a great impact on the final results.  This year could be the same, but the reason behind the vote may be unknown.  Many believe that after the votes are tallied, the impact from social media will be evident.