Facebook and Youth Mobilization in The 2008 Presidential Election

August 17th, 2008

By Angela Sanson

Abstract:

Unlike generations of the past, today’s youth build relationships in communities that transcend cultural, temporal and geographical boundaries and membership in these communities provides for a civic engagement that is more connected than ever. The Millennial generation is emerging in the political forefront in the 2008 presidential election, and technology is helping engage and drive them to the polls. The 2008 cycle marks the first presidential campaign defined by new media, whereas it is both the medium and the message. Among these driving forces is the social networking website, Facebook. Facebook provides users with motivation, ability, and opportunities to become engaged, through peer-to-peer, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many communications and shifts the nature of community from geographic to interest-based, while blurring distinctions between types of mediums, such as print, visual and audio. Campaigns are similarly capitalizing on the interactive nature of Facebook by identifying the producers and consumers of information and targeting young influential supporters.

Full Article (PDF):Facebook-Youth-Mobilization.pdf

Posted under: Issue III Summer 2008, Journal, Journal Volume VIII 3,667 views

About Angela Sanson

Angela Sanson has a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication from Ohio State University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Communication from American University. Her professional experience in public relations, marketing, and communications has included developing a recycling program for Ohio State University’s Columbus campus as the Marketing Director of Ohio State Recycling, and providing public relations expertise to The Center for Social Media at American University. Most recently, Angela worked as a research assistant to an American University professor while obtaining her master’s degree. Her work observing the nexus of politics and media as a member of the press corps covering the 2008 New Hampshire primary election through The American Observer and The Concord Monitor propelled her to focus her master’s research on politics and social networking. Angela plans to pursue her interest in the interplay of news ethics and campaign strategy, persuasion and message development, and how emerging media trends are used for social change. She currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Journal Volume VIII Issue III Summer 2008