Blogging and Politics

Well, with the recent General Elections still fresh on our minds, we all remember how important a role the social media played in the results of the polls. Many voters turned to the internet for updates, views and videos of our favourite candidates during the hustings. After recent global changes taking place with the effect of social media, a revolution in Egypt, and the U.S. Presidential elections a couple of years ago, our very own political candidates embraced and harnessed the immense power of the internet for publicity, and to convey their messages to voters.

Almost weed-like, political blogs started sprouting up with citizens having their say. Many of us logged on political forums such as The Online Citizen and The Temasek Review. Videos were posted on YouTube with footage from the political rallies held. The entire online community was abuzz with election fever, something never seen before in a politics indifferent nation like Singapore. Everyone felt empowered and that their vote would make a difference.

Candidates saw this revolution take place right before their eyes and almost immediately joined in the online banter. However, as powerful a tool as it is, it is ultimately a double edged sword that the candidates would wield.

Nicole Seah

Many candidates updated their blogs daily, their Facebook pages were updated hourly and for some by the minute, thanks to smartphones. With such a fervour online, comparisons were made between candidates. Everyone had something to say about them, which ultimately sparked off a rivalry between Tin Pei Ling from the ruling party and Nicole Seah from the opposition.

A fierce onslaught on Tin Pei Ling ensued with many netizens slamming her for her lack of experience and her inability to express herself. Many videos from her past as a student, at work, and at play appeared on the web. It just goes to show how easy it is to dig up historical data on a person with the power of the social media.

Tin Pei Ling

The final straw was when an insidious comment appeared on Nicole Seah's Facebook page apparently posted by Tin Pei Ling on Cooling Off Day (a day before Polling Day where political candidates are not allowed to publish or speak to the public). The comment was quickly deleted within 20 minutes but it had already gone viral by then, resulting in an uproar online. Tin Pei Ling subsequently dismissed the allegations and laid the blame on her political aide for posting the comment.

On the other hand, Nicole Seah gained much popularity online, voters quickly fell in love with her charisma, and personality. It did help that she had a pretty face and was also the youngest candidate to ever stand for elections. She had also scored so well that there were reports she was offered endorsements with a local watch shop chain.

The power of social media is an explosive tool just like nitroglycerin, care and consideration should always be used when handling it.


Image Resource: Chance Counter, Breaking News
References: The Temasek Review, The Online Citizen, The Chance Counter, Breaking News