It’s a new election season and the perfect time to look at how its presence in our everyday life impacts views of the candidates. Information on the election is heard through advertisements on music platforms, TikTok videos, television commercials, magazine covers, Instagram Reels, etc. There is no escaping it. How have specific social media features like Facebook Live been used to convince you of which candidate you will vote for? Have you been swayed or reassured of your existing decision?
Live and Q&A Session
In the current election, Facebook live streaming has been used to enhance engagement and share information with the public. Campaigns use Facebook LIVE to hold real-time video streaming sessions with candidates, political analysts, and experts to discuss major issues and answer questions. Campaigns can also use Facebook Live in local debate watch parties and have an open discussion live time. The live stream provides voters with the ability to comment, ask questions, and share their perspectives. This was successful in the 2020 election and has become even more popular so far in the 2024 election.
Live streams shape opinions on the candidates
Before buying a new car you look up reviews and social media posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook. You also check TikTok to learn as much as you can. You want to gather as much information as possible before you buy. The information on social impacts your view of the candidates in a similar way. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are strong media figures that continue to garner media coverage. However, what your friends and community say in their online posts also influence your opinion about which candidate you will choose.
Facebook LIVE is more engaging than any other news source
Facebook Live has also been a major contributor to tracking engagement on which political parties have had the strongest presence. Allowing all perspectives of the election, candidates, debates, etc. is a privilege in our society. With all the information we have access to, most of us can make our decision clearly due to the advertisement.
Live events stand out for all audiences, whether they are there in person or if it’s through a screen, because it allows for audience engagement, as opposed to traditional TV or radio news sources. In 2024, our access to anything is almost unlimited. Live streaming has become the top resource for finding information, getting answers, and staying engaged. Whether you’re at home, at work, or listening while you’re at the gym, you have access to live events in live time.
Takeaways
Social media and politics have a lot in common. One of those things is that they can get messy…quickly. It is up to your judgment to decide if the information you are receiving is correct or not.
I will leave you with a few questions to consider after reading this post:
Do you believe using Facebook LIVE has served as a useful tool in the 2024 election?
Would you consider it a tool that has improved audience engagement? If so, whose has done it better, the Harris or Trump campaign?
Teaching Social Media 