"The problem isn’t even entirely the misrepresentation of Clinton in social media, it’s the fact that the next generation of voters are relying on things like Twitter to teach them about smart politics." -- Lily Ruane
The 2016 Presidential Race has been underway for several months, however now that primary elections have started things have become even more frantic. At the moment there are five leading candidates: Clinton and Sanders on the Democratic side, and Trump, Rubio and Cruz on the Republican side. These five runners have been under constant scrutiny from the media, which is normal in a race like this one. The media has always been present in politics, on both television and radio outlets, through debates, polls, and interviews. However, this Presidential race is dominated by social media, in both positive and negative lights.
Social media is an ever-growing presence that lends itself to the fast-paced minds of today. It is a fantastic way for people to be exposed to world events, even under circumstances in which they otherwise would not have been, and it has made things like the Presidential race accessible to people of all ages. The youth’s involvement, more specifically their interest, in politics is a concept excelled by social media. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter allow them to quickly read memes covering political issues and make a hasty judgments about them. Social media allows voters to be engaged in what’s happening but it can also create ignorance, and be very misleading.
The competition between Democratic runners Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton has been hugely popular in the public eye and is talked about excessively by people across the country. Naturally social media users have chimed in on the discussion with their own opinions, posted easily and instantaneously to the internet. One account on Twitter, @BernievsHiilary, has been particularly present and impactful. The account, which has over 200 posts, tweets photos that compare Sanders and Clinton on ‘The Issues That Matter.’ The template for these posts can be easily doctored to compare an issue, no matter how ridiculous or poignant it really is.
Social media is an ever-growing presence that lends itself to the fast-paced minds of today. It is a fantastic way for people to be exposed to world events, even under circumstances in which they otherwise would not have been, and it has made things like the Presidential race accessible to people of all ages. The youth’s involvement, more specifically their interest, in politics is a concept excelled by social media. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter allow them to quickly read memes covering political issues and make a hasty judgments about them. Social media allows voters to be engaged in what’s happening but it can also create ignorance, and be very misleading.
The competition between Democratic runners Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton has been hugely popular in the public eye and is talked about excessively by people across the country. Naturally social media users have chimed in on the discussion with their own opinions, posted easily and instantaneously to the internet. One account on Twitter, @BernievsHiilary, has been particularly present and impactful. The account, which has over 200 posts, tweets photos that compare Sanders and Clinton on ‘The Issues That Matter.’ The template for these posts can be easily doctored to compare an issue, no matter how ridiculous or poignant it really is.
Issues that have been posted include, Star Wars, ‘proper school etiquette’ and whether Coke is superior to Pepsi. Yes, these topics make for funny content, but they also turn the Presidential race into a joke, and completely skew the concept and rules of politics among young voters. youth. The problem with these photos is not what they’re saying necessarily, it’s how they’re impacting people. A teenager, or anyone likely to be on Twitter, will see these posts and make assumptions, judgements, and ultimately decisions on both Sanders and Clinton. These misinformed decisions will influence how they feel about each of these candidates and, if the person is of voting age, will eventually influence their vote.
Sanders is portrayed as a cool, knowledgeable ally to adolescents, a likable and relatable person. Clinton on the other hand is made out to be uptight, and behind the times, someone who is quite frankly dumb. The contrast between the two is greatly created by Sanders’ followers, the number of which is rapidly increasing, due to media such as the tweets posted on this account. Obviously every voter is entitled to their opinion about each of the candidates, but opinions taken from accounts like this one may not be properly informed.
First-time voters active on social media who see these photos are eager to support Sanders. He has great ideas and advocates for universal healthcare, free college tuition, lower taxes, and from what this account shows he’s a down to earth guy, someone you could hang out and talk the latest internet trends with. This, however, is not the whole story. The same people who are in support of his plans for free college are often not aware of the way the American government works. The President needs support from congress to pass large bills and the chances of Sanders getting support on an issue so big are slim. Alternatively, voters who demonize Clinton because she chooses yellow Starbursts over pink don’t really have any idea who she is as a politician, or where she stands on actual, relevant issues.
Sanders is portrayed as a cool, knowledgeable ally to adolescents, a likable and relatable person. Clinton on the other hand is made out to be uptight, and behind the times, someone who is quite frankly dumb. The contrast between the two is greatly created by Sanders’ followers, the number of which is rapidly increasing, due to media such as the tweets posted on this account. Obviously every voter is entitled to their opinion about each of the candidates, but opinions taken from accounts like this one may not be properly informed.
First-time voters active on social media who see these photos are eager to support Sanders. He has great ideas and advocates for universal healthcare, free college tuition, lower taxes, and from what this account shows he’s a down to earth guy, someone you could hang out and talk the latest internet trends with. This, however, is not the whole story. The same people who are in support of his plans for free college are often not aware of the way the American government works. The President needs support from congress to pass large bills and the chances of Sanders getting support on an issue so big are slim. Alternatively, voters who demonize Clinton because she chooses yellow Starbursts over pink don’t really have any idea who she is as a politician, or where she stands on actual, relevant issues.
Admittedly, this method of research is a lot more appealing, or at least immediately satisfying. Young voters understand the issues referenced in these photos and making a decision on who to support based on issues that they are educated about and find interesting or funny is much easier than learning about and being involved in the true world of politics. However, this is only hindering their knowledge and ability as a voter.
This seems to be the newest trend in politics. An easy and relatable way to get involved with the election, accessible by nearly everyone in the country. The problem isn’t even entirely the misrepresentation of Clinton in social media, it’s the fact that the next generation of voters are relying on things like Twitter to teach them about smart politics. It’s not who will head the country for the next four years, it’s which post can get the most likes and retweets.
As our nation expands further into the digital age there is no telling how this phenomenon might progress. It’s scary to think that something as important as the Presidential Election is being reduced to the power of social media, no matter how well intentioned it may be. Social media should aid the thoughts of voters, not misdirect them.
