Internet election?
Survey results out today found that over three quarters of the public would vote online – this raises the question, what role will online media play in the run up to the election?
As we continue to do more and more online; we speak to our friends, pay our bills and even do our banking and shopping without leaving the comfort of our own home. We as consumers demand more and expect to be able to do most things online.
The results from the survey conducted by global PR agency are no surprise (to me anyway) and just demonstrate the importance of online communications, particularly in the run up to the election.
It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of an election, as we saw in America Barack Obama’s election campaign heavily involved online media to help gather momentum and support for his manifestos.
The poll also found that over half, 56 per cent, had visited political websites to learn more about the parties they could vote for and this is only set to increase in the coming months.
The survey was conducted to gauge public perceptions and attitudes towards the use of social and digital media by the leading political parties.
We have seen in the last eighteen months the role of the internet change, we use it much for engagement and information and Lewis’ digital director, Eb Adeyeri believes that this will be the first ‘internet election.’ Adeyeri sees Facebook and Twitter being exploited to help politicians to reach what were once hard to reach audiences and help them to convey their key messages.
The survey polled 1,000 members of the public and found 24 per cent of those asked believed that Twitter was an essential communication tool in a democracy.
As the election is less than three months away I can’t wait to witness the UK’s first ‘internet election’, see how social media is used and ultimately the impact it will have on the votes.