According to a new study, almost half of first-time voters are taking an increased interest in the upcoming general election thanks to social media.
The study conducted by Lightspeed Research on behalf of New Media Age showed that 46% of 18-21 year olds are more interested in the election due to the increase in political activity on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It also revealed that 60% of 18-25 year olds are likely to think favourably of political parties who make use of social media and other available communication channels such as mobile media and blogging as well as the more traditional communication methods such as television and leaflet campaigns.
It wasn’t all positive news for the social media crowd, however: the study showed that although people are interested thanks to the social media platforms available, they may not actually put too much stock in what is said on Twitter and Facebook. Party political broadcasts on television are still seen as the most trustworthy source of information with just 5% of users saying they trusted Facebook most and Twitter receiving just 1% of respondents’ faith.
This isn’t great news for Facebook who have developed a subsite called Democracy UK with which they are hoping to provide a forum for users who wish to discuss the issues and learn more about the upcoming election.
As encouraging as it is that Britain’s increasingly politically apathetic populace are getting involved in the election thanks to modern technology, it’s also worth remembering that one study does not necessarily make a movement. Although there is a peaked interest in the upcoming general election thanks to these new communication avenues, interest does not always equate to people getting up and voting.
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