Election battle fought on social media

Australian politicians have been out and about in the community in a race to win supporters for the federal election.

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A decade ago, campaigning was all about being seen in the community.

But with a growing number of social media subscribers, politicians have more platforms than ever to pitch their policies.

If the federal election was won or lost on social media, some say it would be easy to pick a winner.

With more than a million followers on Twitter, Kevin Rudd is well ahead of Tony Abbott in the social media popularity stakes.

Young voters say that Labor leader's light-hearted approach on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram make him more accessible.

"I think it's just sort of talking at a level with young people," says student Stefanie Fabjancic.

The Opposition Leader is opting for a more conventional approach.

"Their message is really supported by what they're doing on social media, it's quite consistent," says social media consultant Thomas Tudehope.

Thomas Tudehope is a former advisor to Malcolm Turnbull. He says the Coalition knows what it is doing online.

"There is a thirst for real information, rather than just flaky tidbits of personality," says Mr Tudehope.

But there is no hard evidence as to whether a strong social media presence makes a difference on polling day.

And social media strategist Kate Carruthers says no Australian politician is really getting it right.

"The real point of social media is engagement, and getting people to do what you want, whatever that action is."

In political circles, that means turning viewers into voters active campaigners or even financial supporters.

The Labor Party has even flown in advisers that worked on US President Barack Obama's campaign that is widely recognised as the gold standard for social media campaiging.

Only two million Australians are actually on Twitter, while about 11 million use Facebook, meaning traditional methods are still an important part of campaiging.

For more information of how social media is influencing this year's election, watch Andy Park from The Feed.


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2 min read

Published

Updated

By Rhiannon Elston

Source: SBS


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