New media has not only changed the way people communicate with one another, but it’s changed the way our politicians attempt to garner support. It’s also changed the way we react to them.
I’ll be completely honest-I’ve got no stake in tomorrow’s presidential election. But, even though I haven’t sought out information about either candidate, I know a few things about each of them. Why? Because it’s impossible to escape the exposure that each of the candidates are receiving AND creating for themselves-not to mention the buzz individuals are helping to create.
Each candidate has been featured on many news programs, radio shows and in print and online newspapers for months. This is the inevitable coverage any presidential candidate receives. Additionally, the candidates have each purchased millions and millions of dollars worth of advertising.
But what is most fascinating, and perhaps most effective, are the various ways the candidates are exposed through forms of new media.
- YouTube: A search for “Barack Obama” returns about 365,000 results; a search for “John McCain” returns 205,000 (probably more since I’ve written this sentence). Some of the videos may have been created specifically for the purpose of building a following, but what is found on YouTube could be anything-individuals voicing their opinions about the election, the candidates appearing on various talk shows or news programs, or even parodies of the candidates on shows like Saturday Night Live.
- Web sites: Both presidential candidates have Web sites providing information on the candidates, their stance on various issues, information on how to get involved in the campaigns, etc. (Barack Obama’s Web Site, John McCain’s Web Site)
- Facebook: Each candidate has their own page dedicated to providing more information(John McCain’s Facebook Page, Barack Obama’s Facebook Page)
- Myspace, Twitter, Digg, LinkedIn…
- E-mail lists, text message updates…
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they can’t wait until the election is over so the advertising and the chatter about it will end. With all these ways for the candidates to reach us, and for us to spread the word about who we support, it’s no wonder. So, I have to wonder if all this exposure is beneficial or if it only turns people off. What do you think?
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Currently listening to: “Cold Shoulder” by Adele (19, 2008)
I glad someone else feels that sometimes we can be oversaturated with media. It’s often overwhelming. I guess we have to monitor that on our own; shut it off, sometimes!