Blog#2-Use of Social Media in Elections

Shirky emphasized how the Obama administration allowed for open and continued communication with supporters, even when faced with disagreement and potential friction between the campaign and the supporters. The point that his campaign was being respectful and open to conversation and disagreement promoted a healthier form of conversation and use of social media. This an example that would be highly beneficial for political figures and other public-facing accounts to adopt more in the present day. The climate on social media in recent years has been intensely aggressive and partisan, leading to violence, harassment, and censorship. Much of that type of content was circulated during the last election cycle, leading to an incredibly divisive social climate.