Collective Inktelligence

Does social media have political power?

by Alex Buznego on February 2, 2011

A couple of years ago we saw how Twitter was being used as a tool for collaboration during a time of unrest in Iran. In the past few years, the role of blogs and cell phones has helped everyday Cubans learn about the outside world previously shut out through traditional media outlets. And uncensored access to Google in China has made headlines in the past couple of years as well. Now given the situation in Northern Africa, including the shutdown of Internet access in Egypt, the role of social media tools is once again shedding light on the question as to what role social media plays in the political world.

What do you think? Does social media have political power?

The Political Power of Social Media

Since the rise of the Internet in the early 1990s, the world’s networked population has grown from the low millions to the low billions. Over the same period, social media have become a fact of life for civil society worldwide, involving many actors — regular citizens, activists, nongovernmental organizations, telecommunications firms, software providers, governments. This raises an obvious question for the U.S. government: How does the ubiquity of social media affect U.S. interests, and how should U.S. policy respond to it?

As the communications landscape gets denser, more complex, and more participatory, the networked population is gaining greater access to information, more opportunities to engage in public speech, and an enhanced ability to undertake collective action. In the political arena, as the protests in Manila demonstrated, these increased freedoms can help loosely coordinated publics demand change.

Alex Buznego

Alex is responsible for creating and executing all Marketing strategies, including Brand Management, Interactive/Web 2.0 Marketing, Public Relations and Social Marketing initiatives at Inktel Direct. Alex’s past experience in Marketing includes time with the Miami Heat, as well as experience in the nonprofit sector as Director of Development for Roots of Hope. Alex holds a Master’s of Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of Miami, as well as a Bachelor’s of Arts in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Alex has been with Inktel for two years.

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Jerry C

Here in the U.S. we have witnessed the remarkable rallying power of social media during the last presidential election. Point being that it represents not only a means of connectivity, but also a way to unify and rally a targeted audience. Like an inspirational speaker, it can generate positive or negative change, bias and, worst of all, hatred and violence toward an individual or group.

Globally, the internet and social media has united people as one and have served society, in general, in very positive ways to inform, collaborate and educate. But the ability to get by the garbage and ‘noise’ is essential. We hear about this and similar issues on Facebook, Wikileaks and certain blogs.

Used in the context to generate positive change politically, social media as we’ve seen can be a powerful tool.

Back in the ’60′s, we relied on available media (papers, radio and television) for information on Viet Nam and anti-war and other activist activities. Had Social Media been available during that period, one can only imagine what things would be like today.
http://www.twitter.com/danarriola13 Dan Arriola

Does it ever! I will even take it to the local level. In Newwark NJ Mayor Corey Booker has mastered the power of twitter. It’s one of his most powerful communcation tools. When snow storms are coming, a major crime happens, or breaking news in the community Booker is quick to comment on Twitter. People feel a direct connection with him and it’s very “personal”…..It’s a very powerful tool and its here to stay!