How Social Media is Shaping Our Political Future | Victoria Bonney | TEDxDirigo

Summary

This speech explores the transformative impact of social media on politics, highlighting how it has democratized political communication by allowing politicians to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. The speaker reflects on their political awakening with Howard Dean's candid anti-war stance and the subsequent rise of grassroots campaigns funded by online donations. Social media's role in making campaigns more personal and relatable is emphasized, as well as its ability to humanize politicians and make government more transparent. The speech concludes by celebrating social media's potential to diversify and reshape the political landscape, challenging the traditional norms and opening up opportunities for a broader range of candidates.

Takeaways

• 📊 Social media has transformed politics by allowing politicians to communicate directly with voters, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.
• 🌐 The 2016 election highlighted the negative impacts of social media, such as Russian bots and divisive tweets, but also its potential for diversity and transparency.
• 🗣️ Traditional political campaigns relied heavily on media gatekeepers like 60 Minutes and Sunday shows, which limited the types of candidates and messages that reached the public.
• 🚀 The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter has empowered politicians to speak directly to the public, making campaigns more inclusive and diverse.
• 🎓 The speaker's initial belief that only certain types of people with specific experiences, like Ivy League degrees and wealth, could run for office has been challenged by social media's leveling effect.
• 🔥 Social media has made it possible for candidates to raise funds through low-dollar donations online, as demonstrated by Howard Dean's 2004 campaign.
• 📈 The use of viral videos and authentic storytelling by candidates on social media has helped them connect with voters on a personal level, making politics more relatable.
• 🔍 Opposition research, traditionally used to dig up dirt on opponents, has become less effective as social media encourages candidates to embrace vulnerability and share their personal stories.
• 🌟 Candidates like Stacey Abrams and Beto O'Rourke have used social media to their advantage, making their campaigns more relatable and successful in fundraising.
• 🌐 Social media has increased government transparency by forcing elected officials to respond to public sentiment and issues in real-time, as seen with the response to the 'where are the children' hashtag.

Q & A

How has social media impacted the political system according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that while social media has degraded the political system through phenomena like Russian bots and the president's tweets, it has also made democracy more diverse and transparent by allowing politicians to speak directly to voters without traditional media gatekeepers.

What was the speaker's previous belief about the type of person who could run for office?

The speaker used to believe that only a certain kind of person with an Ivy League degree, lots of money, a famous last name, or being male could run for office.

Why did the speaker change their mind about politics after seeing Howard Dean on TV?

The speaker was inspired by Howard Dean's forceful stance against the Iraq war, which was a perspective they had not seen a politician express before, and it made them want to be part of a campaign for the first time.

What significant fundraising strategy did Howard Dean employ in 2004?

Howard Dean was the first to raise low dollar donations on the Internet, which allowed him to run a national campaign as an outsider.

How did traditional media react to Howard Dean's off-script speeches?

Traditional media was not a big fan of Howard Dean's off-script speeches, and his infamous 'Dean Scream' after the Iowa caucus was perceived negatively, contributing to the downfall of his campaign.

How has social media changed the way politicians communicate?

Social media has broken traditional communication methods, allowing politicians to bypass poll-tested talking points and speak directly to voters, making campaigns more authentic and responsive.

What is the significance of the speaker's personal experience with campaigning?

The speaker's personal experience with campaigning, including doubts about being a viable candidate due to her background, highlights the changing landscape where candidates with diverse experiences are now seen as assets rather than liabilities.

How are candidates using social media to their advantage in modern campaigns?

Candidates are using viral videos on social media to share personal experiences with issues, making them more relatable to voters and galvanizing support, as well as raising significant funds.

What is the role of showing vulnerability in politics according to the speaker?

Showing vulnerability is now seen as shrewd politics, as it allows candidates to connect with voters on a personal level and humanize their campaigns.

How has social media influenced the transparency of government?

Social media has made government more transparent by creating a direct dialogue between elected officials and constituents, and by pressuring officials to respond promptly to issues raised on social platforms.

What example does the speaker give of how social media has changed political communication?

The speaker cites the example of Stacey Abrams, who used social media to respond to criticism about her debt, making herself more relatable to millions of Americans who also have debt.