The social media effect on political advertisements

 

        One of the biggest changes regarding politics over the years has been the communication methods used to reach the public. Before social media emerged onto the political scene, one of the crucial ways candidates would campaign would be strictly via news coverage. The news coverage allowed the candidates to depict their reasoning for campaigning and to give public speeches to persuade voters into voting for them. Ever since social media began to erupt within the political scene, it allows politicians and candidates to campaign at a much larger scale and more accessibility. While most of these social media platforms have regulations, they do not have to remain "neutral" or only allow non-bias information. Although some news coverage doesn't follow their own rules, many remain neutral and allow candidates to campaign and promote advertising if it doesn't include any ill intent. Many of the social media platforms allow free speech and do not have to maintain a professional persona like the mainstream news coverages would. An article written at Wharton by Pinar Yildirim depicts the ease of social media for candidates nowadays , " Beyond communicating their policy views, new candidates can humanize themselves through their social media accounts, and that helps voters feel more connected to them. " This message from Pinar while accurate, isn't always used in a professional manner. While you start to see politicians express themselves via social media, candidates also use this as a way to exploit their opposing candidate, and oftentimes campaign by throwing slander on their social media platforms. Although social media is a huge upgrade for many reasons, mainly to connect to others, it must be regulated in regard to politics to retain from unprofessional behavior such as exploiting rather than self promoting. 

How social media is Shaping Political Campaigns. Knowledge at Wharton. (n.d.). https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/podcast/knowledge-at-wharton-podcast/how-social-media-is-shaping-political-campaigns/