Politics is such a touchy topic around people
today. Everyone is concerned with who it might offend, so the solution is to
just not talk about it. However, this is not a wise solution. The 2008 election
is when social media became increasingly popular within in politics. Since
people are notorious for sharing media on the internet, it is time to advertise
where you stand with politics. The only way change happens is when voices are
heard. The recent announcement of Ted Cruz for President has social media
buzzing with opinions, articles, advertisements, and news about the latest with
the candidate.
One of the greatest advantages with online advertising is that it does not always require a huge sum of money. Many nonprofits, campaigns, and small business rely on online advertisements to get their message out. In Controlling the Message, the author discusses the impact of online advertising. He explains that three primary objectives were used for the Obama campaign in 2008. The objectives are, building a robust supporter base, mobilizing those supporters to become volunteers and donors, and to persuade undecided members of the electorate (Farrar-Myers et al, Ch. 1). Ted Cruz is doing this on Facebook and other social media platforms for his current campaign
One of the greatest advantages with online advertising is that it does not always require a huge sum of money. Many nonprofits, campaigns, and small business rely on online advertisements to get their message out. In Controlling the Message, the author discusses the impact of online advertising. He explains that three primary objectives were used for the Obama campaign in 2008. The objectives are, building a robust supporter base, mobilizing those supporters to become volunteers and donors, and to persuade undecided members of the electorate (Farrar-Myers et al, Ch. 1). Ted Cruz is doing this on Facebook and other social media platforms for his current campaign
Found on: https://www.facebook.com/tedcruzpage
In this post, he is showing that he is interested in
gaining voters and supporters. He is travelling around on a tour visiting
states and gaining his supporter base. He advertises his events and visits
online in order to do so. Additionally, he advertises his important statements
and facts in hopes of persuading people to vote for him.
While his campaign might not be paying for the
Facebook posts, people share and comment, and thus it create a sense of
advertisements. Perhaps, it is the best form of campaigning in today’s time.
Ted Cruz is definitely taking advantage of social media with thousands of
shares on every post and a large following to begin with.
Competitors are something that exists in just about
everything that goes on. Whether it is a full-time business, a sports team, or
a politician, the competition reigns true. In comparison to Ted Cruz, the
Americans Against the Tea Party (AATTP) is the complete opposite. However, with
a large fan base, AATTP has to be concerned with how they control the message
that is being sent out. “Candidates, political parties, and interest groups,”
explains Roberts Klotz, “are advocates who fight to have their message heard”
(Farrar-Myers et al, Ch. 4). With a group like AATTP, they are not promoting a
specific candidate and can also benefit from the online environment. Groups
that are for or against a political party are able to spend unlimited resources
and posts delivering the message they want, not what is required by a specific
candidate..
For instance, in the post above, it can be seen that
AATTP is able to post a wide array of photos and opinions since it is not
candidate specific. Having a group such as AATTP, allows for different types of
people and social groups to be interested instead of just people focused on one
person.
In relation to both Ted Cruz and AATTP, social media
by independent users can sometimes be a hindrance. When independent groups
start promoting their own message, campaigns can often be challenged
(Farrar-Myers et al, Ch. 3). As with anything, campaigns have a certain image
they are attempting to uphold. If individuals are promoting their beliefs
alongside the existing campaign, the message will be diluted and perhaps,
misunderstood.
In conclusion, politics have a strong correlation
with social media, especially Facebook. While it might not be the most popular
amongst teenagers, it is still a great resource for updates and events
happening within politics. Whether it is
with advertising, competitors, or individuals, Facebook and other social media
are imperative for the online presence of political candidates and parties.
Works
Cited
Farrar-Myers,
Victoria A., and Justin S. Vaughn. Controlling the Message: New Media
in American Political Campaigns. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
This is a good example of self promotion and self advertisement. By just pposting their thoughts, they make themselves more connected to the public and in a way for benefit. It's all people telling them what to post for the peoole
ReplyDeleteYes, Ted Cruz does seem he is trying to find his voters. With all the touring and the diversity of stuff he is posting on his facebook, I would believe he is trying to gain voter confidence.
ReplyDeleteFinding voters is key for Ted Cruz. The AATTP seems like the are sticking up for themselves and proving Ted Cruz wrong on what he says.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you how voices can be heard on social media pages but online advertising always want large amounts of money but don’t you think that if online advertising don’t ask for money then they don’t get the amount that the company is aiming for during the election. I like the example that you give about the voters and the supporters because he is trying to get people to trust him. I also agree to the relationship between the social media and politics because social media is always talking about how the top issue.
ReplyDeleteFacebook is a great outlet for politicians to get their word out and beliefs out. Young adults are the main users of social media but now there is a big population of older adults that use Facebook as well. With that being said, through the use of Facebook, politicians are hitting almost all eligible voter age groups.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, I think Ted Cruz is most focused on the first two objectives that you mentioned--building a base and mobilizing the base. His posts about sympathies for the Texas flood (and mentioning Israeli-affiliated organizations that will help the recovery) are indicative of an attempt to reach out to voters in Texas (and to those with loved ones in Texas) while reminding them of one of his campaign promises-to stand with Israel. His constant mentions of the places he's visiting helps people feel included with his campaign as well.
ReplyDelete