Social Media Elections examines how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram influence modern politics, impacting voter opinions and election results.
The book explores the spread of misinformation, voter mobilization through online networks, and evolving campaign strategies in the digital age.
It argues that social media's algorithms and echo chambers, combined with sophisticated online propaganda, pose significant challenges to democratic elections.
A key insight is how microtargeting is used to tailor political messages to specific voter demographics, potentially swaying opinions.
The book uniquely integrates theoretical frameworks with practical case studies, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between social media and elections.
The book starts by tracing the history of political communication from traditional media to the digital sphere, introducing core concepts like sentiment analysis.
It then investigates voter mobilization, misinformation, and political advertising on social media, supported by data from social media analytics, case studies, and qualitative analysis of online content.
It provides a balanced approach, acknowledging both the benefits and dangers of social media in politics.
The book culminates with a discussion of reforms and solutions, offering practical implications for voters, policymakers, and campaign managers.
