In the last Presidential election we saw social media used as a tool to help drive voters to the poll. Since then social media has blown up. It's one tool that politicians are hoping they can use to gain political seats. Millions of dollars can spent on advertising and social media may help in stretching the money used in political campaigns. Youtube, Linkedin, and Google plus are few that are being used with Facebook and Twitter leading the way.
Doctor Matthew Donahue from the Department of Pop Culture at BGSU says this trend is only going to increase. Donahue said "I think that's something we are going to see particularly strongly as move towards the 2012 election is this increase and focus on social media and the politicians that are running for office."
There are a few things that really help in politicians campaign by using social media resources. They can share ideal, goals, accomplishments, and offer behind the scene footage for voters. The use of social media can engage followers. And the use of sites like Facebook and Twitter can turn followers in volunteers that help a campaign.
"It's important to note the political aspects of this and how the politicians are starting to gain more and more of an audience via these social network sites." said Donahue.
Looking at Twitter accounts President Barack Obama has almost 16 million more followers than Mitt Romney and at the state level Sherrod Brown has four times as many followers as Josh Mandel. Not only does this help politicians gain support but it can give them insight to what voters want through a more personal connection by asking questions and responding on their pages.
