The Internet is changing the way politics works. We saw it in Australia and are also witnessing it in the US. The trend of leveraging on the Internet to pitch election candidates is fast catching around the world and Malaysia is no exception.
According to acting general manager, Microsoft Online Services Group, Southeast Asia Richard Huggins, People are voicing their political preference and views through Windows Live Messenger status, Facebook status, video sharing, photo sharing, e-mails and online forums. The Internet, in many ways, has returned politics to the grass roots.
The Internet acts as a media vehicle to distribute mass communication.Media is considered to be the 4th pillar of the society. The other three being legislative, executive and judiciary. It’s a mirror of the society, reflecting socio-phenomenon. Media acts as a connectivity bridge between people worldwide, also between government and general public. Media manipulate news, to form, shape and reflect opinion.When people read about a political party, opinion is formed. Media shape people’s opinion by deciding what news to be published. Media decide whether to publish good or bad news about the political party to shape people’s opinion towards the political party.
We are seeing an increase in socio-political discussions in the Malaysian blogsphere. Blogs that focus on debates and news are very popular and have high traffic. As a result, politicians are becoming more active in social media. MCA’s Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Pemuda Umno deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, are among the more high-profile of them.
The fact that the Internet is a key feature in today’s lifestyle should not be ignored less it becomes an opportunity missed in politics.
Referencing
Sani, R. (2008, February 19). Online Politics Work. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from Malaysia Today: http://www.malaysia-today.net/archives/archives-2008/2985-online-politics-work
No comments:
Post a Comment