(SIOUX CITY, IA) Social Media is playing a big part in the 2012 election. Both presidential candidates are anxiously reaching out to Facebook and Twitter users hoping to snatch their vote.
We talked with a social networking expert today who says social media is impacting politics now more than ever.
Most people interact with friends, co-workers, and family on Facebook or Twitter. But since the 2012 election season started heating up people from all of the U.S. are talking politics too.
Beth Trejo, a social media guru here in Sioux City says social networks are working the election.
"2008 was considered the social media election, and now we look back and it's nothing compared to what's happening right now online," says Beth Trejo, CEO and Founder of Chatterkick.
From Twitter, to Facebook, people are talking politics with friends and even strangers.
"People are getting their information online, and they want to share what they know, what they are interested, what they care about and so it makes all of this communication so much more viral, and we see it a lot in the political game right now," says Trejo.
With the click of a mouse or a swipe on a Smartphone, you can learn all about candidates and their policies.
"CN has partnered with Facebook, and they have a full live streaming portion. Google now allows you to find your ballot, depending on exactly where you live. Twitter has an actual, feeling meter, if you will, sentiment meter that allows you to see where the mentions are, Romney compared to Obama," she says.
What about those political ads? Ever wonder which groups are behind them? There's an app for that. "Ad Hawk" allows you to hold your phone up you to your TV, and within seconds, it tells you which ad you're watching, who's behind it, and the group's top contributors.
Not only that, candidates can target you
"A lot of people are calling this election the "big data" election. Meaning that, the people that are running these campaigns know a lot about the people that are interacting online. They can target them specifically based on their search history, how they've interacted online. Rest assured, they know what you're doing online."
And even though social media has swept the younger generation off its feet, Charles Miles says he's doesn't buy into it.
"I notice the political stuff that's on there, but I'm old enough, I've pretty much decided my political persuasion. So it's interesting to see what's on there, but it doesn't influence the end result," says Miles, a Resident in Sioux City.
Both campaigns have just hours left to persuade voters, but thanks to social networking they can make every minute count.
Trejo also says tweaking your privacy settings on Facebook or Twitter can help keep your information out of the hands of politicians.
And the November 6th election is just days away, so remember, Siouxland news dot com is your website for the latest political news, and make sure to tune in on Tuesday for full election night coverage.
Hleigh@Siouxlandnews.com
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