Media, Politics and Governance

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS
Media, Politics and Governance
(Assessing the increasing impact of social media on governance in the 21st century)
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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS1
Media, Politics and Governance
The technological revolution of 1990s, the Internet, has metamorphosed the
connectivity of the world. The 21st century is distinguished by the fact that billions can now
be connected at the same moment by accessing the internet from almost every corner on
Earth. From laymen to the highest authority of the state, every segment is incorporated within
the vast expanse of the internet. This impact is furthered with the inception of social media, a
platform that comprises of several mobile and web-based applications fabricated with the aim
of transforming communication into synergistic dialogues among individuals, communities
and organizations (Obar & Wildman, 2015). The influence of social media over the various
sections of the society including the governing body is inevitable and massive at the same
time. Social media is a potential method used for governance, as several governments of the
21st century utilize the social media platforms for E-governance schemes and dispersing
information through online avenues. Such utilization also contributes to transparence, better
accountability and thereby enhanced governance (Mergel, 2013).
A government comprises of groups of eligible people, appointed with the
responsibility and authority to administer and safeguard the people of a country or state. With
the rapid transformation of the technology around the world, the governance too has evolved.
The emergence of social media has made people more aware than ever and the government
requires to be more active in order to gain the favoritism of the common mass, thereby
pronouncing the significance of democracy. Similarly it can also influence the lives of
millions through the interactive social media. The governance of various countries are
substantially impacted with the use of social media, which has both its perks as well as
hazards (Linke & Zerfass, 2013).

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS2
Social media enables the common mass to gain access to the programs and policies of
the government more easily thereby heightening the concept of clarity in the framework of
governance. Government websites assists the public with approachable agents with the
objective of swift procurement of solutions for public issues (Criado, Sandoval-Almazan &
Gil-Garcia, 2013). With the radical use of social media, the government can deftly
communicate information to the citizens, which in turn benefits the clear and close
connection that is ideal for the state and its subjects.
In today’s global digital advancement, multiple governments utilize social media for diverse
purposes. During dire times of crises, several governments select social media as a means to
communicate with the masses regarding the emergency procedures and safety instructions
(Houston et al., 2015). For instance in 2018, during the devastating California Camp wildfire,
the concerned government could promote evacuation protocols through social networking
sites as well as connected evacuated residents with relief resources and kept providing them
with updates regarding the status of the catastrophe. With active propagation on social media,
the governments also influence common people to engage in diverse programs related to
global causes such as safeguarding the environment. In this manner the government also aids
the dissemination of knowledge regarding the growing concerns about the well-being of the
Earth. There are several social media platforms utilized by the governments to spread
awareness regarding the public rights and duties that facilitates the citizens of the state. Social
media is also an efficient platform to attract people; hence, various states have official
websites promoting the tourism industry of the concerned state. For instance, the Caribbean
government utilizes this facet of the social media for enticing masses to visit the state and
thereby influence the revenue earned by the tourism industry (onecaribbean.org, 2019). The
concept of campaigning online before elections is no longer new for the common masses.
Candidates of varied political parties from varied countries utilize social media sites in order