The Golden Era of Politics and the Internet

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These days, the internet is fast becoming the golden era of politics. Many citizens turn to the internet to keep themselves updated with the latest news and information. The internet has also made it possible for citizens to engage in healthy debates and the exchange of political views with other citizens. Viewing this phenomenon from a communication theorist perspective, the internet has indeed allowed multi-directional communication to take place effortlessly. Citizens no longer need to rely on print media—newspapers and magazines—to keep them updated for the latest news. News on the internet is fast, immediate and more engaging in comparison to individual news reading.

Internet, a direct lever for democracy

With globalization, the internet has become the direct lever for democracy.  Many politicians have recognized the importance of the internet as a social lever for encouraging political participation among the masses. It is increasingly evident that more politicians are taking governance and politicking to a new level by using the internet as a medium for advocating political campaigns and new policies.

A common example used by the media is the 2008 USA Presidential Elections. While President Obama’s success in the campaign is largely attributed to his eloquence, persuasiveness and intelligence, there is no denial that his involvement in politics through the use of social media platforms, especially twitter, played a huge role in his victory. Likewise, many leaders today are embracing technology and the internet to convey political sentiments and outreach to the masses.

In local context, more leaders are using social media platforms to connect with their fellow citizens. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and several MPs have set up official Facebook pages for easy dissemination of information. Using social media and the internet does not only make it more accessible for the politicians to broadcast information directly to it citizens. It also makes it easier for citizens to communicate and raise their views to a particular political party.  

Using the internet as a tool for political polarization

While the internet has its advantages of bringing the masses together to participate in sociopolitical activities, it is difficult to assume that there would be greater political stability as a result of politicians’ involvement in the internet and social media activities. Due to its ubiquitous nature, the internet has allowed users to post and view information anonymously. Users can easily make derogatory remarks and give unsupportive feedback which may go against the motives of political leaders. Although media literate individuals believe that such actions promote open-mindedness and diversity in communication, this can also be perceived as a threat to political unity within a country.

The 2011 General Elections has demonstrated that the new media—blogs, social networking sites and micro-blogging sites—have an unintended effects when citizens engage in internet-related activities to provide alternative voices about the social issue plaguing the Island. The result of this proved to be devastating to the dominant political party when as countless of citizens took the opportunity to declare their support for other alternative parties. This example is sufficient to illustrate how the internet can promote political division among dominant parties and advocate polarizing ideologies.