Participation in elections

Question 1

Point

Answer 1

Social media enhances political engagement through encouraging them to participate in elections

Question 2

Explain (1)

Answer 2

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are ideal for sharing election information, making it easier for people to understand how and why they should vote. Politicians and advocacy groups can target specific groups of people with posts, adverts, and even videos that explain how to register or when to vote, which helps to boost engagement.

Question 3

Example (1)

Answer 3

For example, Vlad Voiculescu’s 2020 campaign in Romania mainly relied on social media to get his campaign message across, especially to younger voters. He used platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X to explain how people could vote, where to vote, and why their vote mattered. He even shared step by step guides of voting, like how to register and where to find polling stations.

Question 4

Analysis (1)

Answer 4

This approach made the election seem more accessible and encouraged voters to actually take action which further increases political engagement.

Question 5

Rebuttal

Answer 5

Although social media does well to inform people on how to participate in elections, the volume of posts, adverts, and updates can make it hard for users to be trusting of what is factual and reliable and what isn’t.

Question 6

Explain (2)

Answer 6

The overwhelming amount of information can cause confusion and make people question the legitimacy of what they’re seeing, especially with conflicting or exaggerated posts.

Question 7

Analysis (2)

Answer 7

This can discourage users from engaging with the process or make them skeptical about participating in elections altogether

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

While social media has definitely made it easier for people to get information about elections and engage with the process, the risk of misinformation can make people less likely to trust what they see and participate in voting.