Twitter as a new social media political playing field

I’ve known some of my friends are on Twitter but was not interested to join until it came that they’ve kept asking me to join them, it was the time for me to start googling (and certainly it was google.co.th as I’m in Thailand) to learn more about the features provided.

It was no great surprise that the second on the result listing I saw after the link to the site itself was “Abhisit Vejjajiva (PM_Abhisit) on Twitter” as you usually see celebrities on Twitter. But I noticed there’s something in common about politicians and their new ways of social networking as I just read an article related to the US politicians.

After seeing the success of Barack Obama's online presence during his election campaign, it seems like Thai politicians see a new channel to communicate with voters. Twitter and Facebook have suddenly become very popular. They use the tools to chat and publicize their activities with supporters. Reporters have even interviewed them through these social networking sites.

Some of the famous "tweeters" are leading politicians and those among the Democrats include Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (his fan club registered for him), Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, PM's adviser Apirak Kosayodhin, and PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtoey. Earlier, the Democrats' tech-smart team had chatted via BlackBerry Messenger.

And even that great fan of mod cons, Thaksin Shinawatra, has jumped on the bandwagon. The ousted PM marked his 60th birthday with an official launch of Twitter and Facebook accounts to keep in touch with as many supporters as possible. And despite just a brief stint tweeting, the former telecom tycoon won the title of "Mr. Twitter of Thailand" and is leading in a competition for "Mr. Twitter of Asia".

Back to the article I previously mentioned above, it’s “Tweepublicans vs. Twitocrats: Twitter is the New GrassRoots Movement” written by Ace. She pointed out about “The Motivation Behind the Political Twitter Movement” that “Like so many of us, politicians have many reasons for their Twittering and the general phenomenon that they’re feeding into.”  Some of those reasons include:

• Getting information to the people
• Connecting with the public
• Instigating more public participation in government
• It’s a more efficient media for speaking your mind
• Giving others a glimpse of the work they do
• Knocking down rumors
• Getting public response on issues
• Promoting an agenda
• Better transparency

Overall, politicians are split on the issue of whether Twitter is more for business or personal use. But really when it comes down to it, it’s all reputation management. Politicians see it as another way to control their message; a way for them to show people what they’re really all about, to limit the filters that their statements usually trickle through. It’s a modern day twist on the fireside chats that FDR conducted while in office.

Politicians using Twitter is a clear indication of how important social media has become in this current world. Public servants who get in the mix online recognize that conversations concerning them are happening and they’re better to do what they can to participate. And of course, politicians know that Twitter is a great tool for reaching out to the ever-valuable young voters who practically grew up online and doesn’t cost an extra penny in campaign funds.