In all honesty and this is something I truly believe everyone is entitled to their thoughts and views. However, I can't help but feel that Social Media has a huge part to play in the various global referendums of late and those still to come.
What I guess I am trying to say it that Social Media reaches an audience that was previously unreachable. On top of that it has given everyone a voice and its all too easy for us to express our strong views whilst hiding behind a computer screen or a smart phone for the world to read. It doesn't matter how we look at it but human beings are gullible and easily influenced by manipulative and propaganda fear mongering techniques used via these platforms from every direction - no one is safe.
For example look at the chaos in the US with their current election nominees constantly demoralising each other via twitter... then the mess caused in the UK with Brexit. Whereas now in Australia the political parties have used fear mongering lies to the most prone and vulnerable population for their advantage to gain political power. All this outrageous behaviour has just turned the world as we know it into utter turmoil.
For example look at the chaos in the US with their current election nominees constantly demoralising each other via twitter... then the mess caused in the UK with Brexit. Whereas now in Australia the political parties have used fear mongering lies to the most prone and vulnerable population for their advantage to gain political power. All this outrageous behaviour has just turned the world as we know it into utter turmoil.
When you think about it twenty years ago we all just listened/believed to what the controlled media (or should I say the Murdoch media powerhouses etc..) wanted us to hear. They chose to frame the messages, then we did what they wanted us to do like pre-programmed robots. Now since the introduction of Social Media, they have no control to frame any key messages, everyone can frame their own... oh how the times have changed today. It will be interesting to see where the world is 5 or even 10 years from now.
Moral of the story is Social Media is a powerful tool, so I'll leave you with this quote "With great power comes great responsibility". I just hope the engage-rs are ready and can handle that power responsibility.
