Social media refers to the various forms of electronic interaction which uses online means to communicate. The communication may involve sharing ideas, videos, business contracts, or personal messages. The technology used in social media is computer-based, facilitating virtual groups and networks to be linked together. Examples of computer-based facilities that can be used include tablets, smartphones, or mainframes. Democracy, on the other hand, refers to a system of governance where citizens are allowed to participate in leadership through various democratic processes. Among the processes that indicate democracy is the availability of power separation between the three arms of government. In addition, there is the system of choosing representatives through a free and fair election carried out after a fixed time limit. Furthermore, there is public participation, protection of citizens’ rights, and the constitution’s availability in a democratic state. The research seeks to outline various statements arguing that social media is a good component of democracy.
Social media is a tool that can reach many people over a short time. With the current communication state, many people can access electronic gadgets to interact. Such processes have been made possible through the availability of electricity. The gadgets use electricity. Hence they are not crucial in areas where solar or electrical energy cannot be accessed. Such areas are the marginalized regions where development is still low People base communication majorly on direct open air interpersonal or group conversations. With the existence of social media, political parties can reach many people across the region over a short period (Teresia et al. 102). The party leaders can communicate important agendas and procedures to their people. Examples of information parties communicate through social media include dates, events and rallies, significant posts, and changes. The steps help in media participation through individuals attending political rallies and meetings. media participation in politics enhances acceptance and corporation between the people and the ruling council. In addition, predictions of gatherings and campaigns by political leaders have been based on the information gathered on social media. In areas where the opponents seem to possess more power and support, the other political parties have to strengthen their strategies to stand a chance. Strengthening the gathering process includes other new ways and strategies that had not been explored. Such steps help political leaders gather more support and win the will of the people in the region over their opponents. In predicting campaigns, the political leader uses social media to acquire the best dates of events (Purva et al. 451). Such strategies may involve changing the previous schedule of media activities in favor of the available circumstances.
Furthermore, social media help to educate voters on the ideologies being used. Sometimes the government develops bills and policies that the people may not easily understand. Such cases require the leadership system to use various media mouthpieces to simplify the information. The government used to pass information through social media publications such as television, newspapers, and radios. The structures help break down the information into smaller fragments that can easily be understood. Besides, these journals have media platforms that address many people. A radio station gives news of what is happening and educates people on the various political concepts in the country (Linda et al. 4). The process helps citizens understand government activities and participate in various meeting that help shape decision-making. Leaders also use media to convince citizens of their agendas in an attempt to win their support. Such media process results to politicians gaining more votes and winning additional influence in their area of campaign. The process improves leaders lobbying impacts on national levels during decision making.
Nevertheless, social media can be used in several events that negatively affect democracy. Among these actions are hijacking democracy and civic engagement, using social media to defame others, and violent propagated happing’s. Political leaders occasionally hijack the media platforms of their opponents to weaken them. Such processes intend to gather more support for the team by suppressing the opponents and convincing their followers. Politics is a muddy inclination which better candidates end up losing while the cruelest takes the winnings. Many leaders win elections through manipulations and hijacking followers from their opponent’s side (Robertson 102). Examples of the negative use of social media include luring people to accept bribes faking votes or giving false information. Bribery in politics refers to a process where leaders pay off voters to support their campaigns to win more votes. In many occurrences, individuals who receive payments in support of politicians have different opinions. Using money to convince people has been the trend in politics for many years. Hijacking democracy and wrong media engagement area propelled by the high levels of poverty among individuals in many parts of world.
Using media platforms to defame other people is also a harmful action. Politically, individuals take advantage of the social media advantage to talk badly about their opponents on media platforms. Such steps include giving formation on opponent’s weakness and expressing personal superiority through charitable meetings to win more support (Ortiz 862). The act of being unkind to others violates their privacy. Such uncouth actions are considered unlawful due to the bad outcomes. Political leaders used social media to influence people to cause violence. Many politicians take advantage of such circumstances to bring down their opponents.
Additionally, social media was used to kindle political violence realized in various parts of the country. Elections in many countries are followed by the civil war that leads to the loss of lives and properties (Piazza and James 66). Such cases resulted from poor use of social media and other means of communication. Individuals used social media platforms cause to strikes in public or private organizations to pass warnings and demands before carrying out the strike. The process includes sending messages on Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp to the target population. Failure to meet the stated demands on the given dates leads to social movements that eventually turn into substantial violent actions. Leaders are required to choose wisely the information they share on media platforms. They are the core actors who can either propel or bring down violent actions. For the sake of coherence and good democracy, political pioneers should pass on information that brings peace and stability.
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Nonetheless, media and democracy are like organizational systems that can hardly be separated. Democracy largely depends on social media platforms just as media run due to the day-to-day political activities. For the government to carry on with leadership activities, they require communication organs that use media platforms to pass on information. Consequently, bad governance is easily portrayed to the people giving room for reactions that results in violence and property destruction. For peace and stability, the media platforms have to be regulated based on the country’s institutions.
References
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Enli et al. “trust in the age of social media: Populist politicians seem more authentic.” social media+ society, vol. 4, no 1. 2018, pp.1-7.
Grover et al. “polarization and acculturation in us election 2016 outcomes–can Twitter analytics predict changes in voting preferences.” technological forecasting and social change, vol. 1, no 45. 2019, PP438-460.
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Ortiz and Stephanie m. “the meanings of racist and sexist trash talk for men of color: A cultural, sociological approach to studying gaming culture.” new media & society, vol. 2, no 14, 2019, pp 879-894.
Piazza and James a. “fake News: The effects of social media disinformation on domestic terrorism.” dynamics of asymmetric conflict, vol. 5, no 1, 2022, pp 55-77.
Robertson and Scott p. “social media and civic engagement: History, theory, and practice.” synthesis lectures on human-centered informatics, vol. 11, no 2, 2018, pp 1-123.