The taming of the tweet
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Oct 07, 2010 01:25 PM
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The taming of the tweet
Nov 22, 2010 11:30 AM
Social media is revolutionizing more than just our social lives; it is also transforming politics. So swissnex Boston and the British Consulate General in Boston organized Politics 2.0: defining the role and use of social media in politics—from campaigning to fundraising to civic empowerment.
This panel discussion was part of Future M, a week-long series of events exploring what’s next in marketing, media and digital technologies.
Moderated by Nicco Mele, founder and president of EccoDitto, the panel comprised:
• Matt DeBergalis, Chairman and Founder, Actblue;
• Rob Willington, partner, Swiftcurrent Strategies, and web strategist for the “Scott Brown for Senate” campaign; and,
• Jonathan Karush, President and Founder, Liberty Concepts Inc.
The main features of social and digital media bring politicians and the electorate virtually “face to face.” Leveraging such media, therefore, would enable the political parties to link, segment and optimize the two main components of their global strategy: fundraising and persuasion.
“Taming” recent Web 2.0 developments such as geolocation technologies will be a key challenge in upcoming campaigns. However, these emerging tehnologies, combined with the sheer amount of voter data available through social media, will no doubt revolutionize the way political parties design their campaigns and target their electorate, donors, volunteers and even candidates.
One way in which social media seems to fall short is in the content of the message. Panelists agreed that it was difficult to launch an in-depth discussion through social media. Rather, they suggested it as an entry point to the debate by “catalyzing the emotional aspect of the voters.”
Where does Boston fit into the revolution? It was unanimous that Boston should take on a leading role. Its diverse software industry could generate cutting-edge politics-oriented Web 2.0 consulting firms and fundraising platforms.
Don’t you agree? Share with us your thoughts and questions on how social media can change the practice of politics and increase civic empowerment. Just write in the box below!
