The Impact of the Internet on American Politics
The Internet has emerged as a significant platform embraced by American politics through aspects of governance, activism, and campaigns. The digital and social media are changing the modern politics following the massive involvement of the society particularly the youths who have fully embraced the recent technological advancements. The internet today has become an essential platform where political candidates can air their manifestos and pledges to the people. The internet has improved coverage area thus inspiring leaders to reach a considerable number around the nation. America is indeed a big country with many states. Therefore, no candidate can reach every individual voter. The internet has also granted voters the freedom to air their views with no restrictions on the content (Wihbey). Despite the existing stiff debate regarding the influence of the internet on American politics, the internet has been employed in several ways including broad distribution of information, fundraising, social networking, offering voters huge involvement and shaping the political process.
Broad Access and Distribution of Political Information
Firstly, the internet serves as an essential tool that facilitates broad access and distribution of political-oriented information. Currently, facts relating to any political party including legislation, formulated policies and court records are available at the touch of the bottom. Voters can quickly acquire the needed information before deciding on the political party to support. Before the introduction of the internet, people were forced to visit libraries, archives and press conference to access data regarding the different candidates. However, today the information is at the disposal of every citizen irrespective of location. Politicians are using the internet to polish their images by defining their views as well as their character to attract more voters. For instance, many have adopted social media platforms such Facebook and Twitter where they post information about themselves. Therefore, educating voters by selectively sharing information that benefits their campaign (Smith). Further, candidates adopt the use of YouTube to express their ideas, policies, and reforms to the people. YouTube is also informative in learning more personal details about the candidates. By watching the videos, voters critically assesses the voiced pledges and at times makes their voting decision based on them.
Challenges in Maintaining Candidates' Reputation
Nonetheless, the easy accessibility to considerable information can be used in tarnishing the politicians' image in the same manner it improves. It is essential to note that internet is one of the technological developments that have given the public the freedom to express their opinions regarding any politician. Therefore, their rivals are always waiting for information that can destroy the opposing candidate reputation through posting of information that only focuses on their negative sides (West). Following the huge usage of internet mainly by the youths on Facebook and Twitter, the public accesses such information at the touch of the button and changes their voting opinion regarding specific candidates.
Increase in Voter Participation
Secondly, the internet offers an opportunity for more voter participation. In the contemporary era, youths have gained more political involvement through opinion polls, blogging, donations and formulated interactive campaign forums. Blogging is the most adopted approach of internet expression where bloggers have emerged as political commentators who encourage people to express their views during the campaign era. At times, bloggers endorse particular candidates and enhance active discussions that involve the public (West). In the process, voters can raise their issues that are articulately addressed in a manner that upholds the reputation of the selected candidate. Such blogs establish heated debates with the public airing their views on different aspects of the aspiring candidates. Opinion polls can also be gathered from online platforms where social media users cast their votes on the preferred candidate. Politicians also use the internet to raise funds for their campaigns. For instance, Obama raised millions from his online supporters during his campaign period (Davy). The young voters serve a great deal in this since they are usually accessing the internet.
Social Networking and Connecting with the Public
Further, the internet has enabled politicians to connect with the public through social networking. Candidates are currently able to create profiles through forums such Myspace which are likely to attract and indeed maintain the eyes of many particularly the youths. Indeed, this grants candidates an opportunity to educate voters about their visions for the country. On the other hand, the public can highlight critical issues that need to be addressed and also express their opinions regarding specific political candidates (West). I believe the voter turnout has increased mainly that of youths through social networking. Activists have also embraced the internet to inform the public about the adverse formulated policies and legislative processes that are out of date. As a result, the public can call for action from candidates to eliminate such methods that do not focus on benefiting the society (Cary). In the U.S. internet has also been used in the voting process. For instance, it was used in an election by the military located outside the U.S. embassy. Indeed, this affirms how the internet has vast influence in the American politics.
Conclusion
The Internet is indeed an excellent technological advancement that has greatly impacted on the American politics. Political candidates today enjoys the presence of internet since they do not have to meet the voters physically. Through social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Myspace candidates can air their manifestos and pledges to the public by creating an attractive image. Hence, reaching a vast number of voters. The Internet has also given people the freedom to express their views regarding particular candidates and also call for action against unpleasant policies through aspects of blogging. Bloggers can create interactive discussions that help voters make their decision. Candidates have also used the internet to fundraise for their campaigns.
Works Cited
Cary, Mary K. "5 Ways New Media Are Changing Politics." U.S. News, 4 Feb. 2010, www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2010/02/04/5-ways-new-media-are-changing-politics. Accessed 8 Apr. 2018.
Davy, Steven. "How Technology Changed American Politics in the Internet Age." MediaShift, 6 Apr. 2010, mediashift.org/2010/04/how-technology-changed-american-politics-in-the-internet-age096/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2018.
Smith, Aaron. "Attitudes towards the Internet’s Impact on Politics." Pew Research Center, 17 Mar. 2011, www.pewinternet.org/2011/03/17/attitudes-towards-the-internets-impact-on-politics/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2018.
West, Darrell. "Ten Ways Social Media Can Improve Campaign Engagement and Reinvigorate American Democracy." Brookings, 28 July 2016, www.brookings.edu/opinions/ten-ways-social-media-can-improve-campaign-engagement-and-reinvigorate-american-democracy/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2018.
Wihbey, John. "Effects of the Internet on Politics: Research Roundup." Journalist's Resource, 15 Mar. 2013, journalistsresource.org/studies/politics/citizen-action/research-internet-effects-politics-key-studies. Accessed 8 Apr. 2018.
