Being a marketing professional, I truly believe Social Media can be a boon and a bane. For that matter any information received or available online. The Boon - larger reach within a limited period and ease of availability of information, even to us Goans based out of Goa. The Bane - misinterpretation of the message, too many opinions and views that in turn will influence decision making and ultimately limited reach to those not so social media savvy audience. In my humble opinion, I would say take all the information you receive on social media with a pinch of salt and use your own judgment to make an informed decision.
– Edra Godinho, Marketing Communications, Dubai
Through social media platforms, leaders can share their opinions without any boundaries & it is the most convenient, easy, fast, and low maintenance medium to build up the image and popularity among the audience. Social media enables activists to reach an entirely new audience and involve them in the political process. With the help of social media, ordinary citizens can become agents of persuasion and leverage their personal network for whatever values, issue positions, or ideological stances that they cherish. Social media has been playing a big role in politics and elections. It is the fastest way to approach the audience. It is really an innovative kind of revolution that keeps the political expanse in check. This medium allows both elected representatives and citizens to exchange information. The message is now circulating through online mediums like Facebook, Whats app, Instagram, Twitter, etc.”Social media driven election” has brought new formats in today’s world that is proving to be more efficient.
– Mayanka Halarnkar, Pharma officer, Bicholim
I would say it’s more of a Integrated marketing campaign, I feel huge money is being invested in the traditional methods of marketing. Hoardings are the centerpiece of the campaign. As a Goan my major concern is what is the cost to the exchequer to fulfill these poll promises also what is the opportunity cost of the same? There are rumours running thick and fast about big ticket money being offered to switch sides. Unfortunately nobody is talking about sustainable development and revenue plans
– Pravin Kakode, Entrepreneur, Margao
Social media has its positive and negative points. I am a social media influencer and have been raising issues online and have been getting my positive work done so social media has helped me reach a lot of my voters in my constituency. There is a lot of dadagiri and people are scared to come out in the open. So through social media they voice their opinion and their MLA can learn what is on their mind. People have told us that they have seen our work and are happy with what we are doing. They are generally frustrated with the present government. AAP is the choice for the future. I am fighting against money and muscle power.
– Cecile Rodrigues, National Vice President of the Aam Aadmi Party Youth Wing, Taleigao
So let’s be honest, all those posting and commenting on social media are a voting minority, and even out of those, a lot will comment but not go and vote themselves. Unless one really talks to the people on the ground, and actually understands how they are feeling, and what they hope to get from the next elected government, social media experts are just armchair experts. Of course fake news can muddy the waters for sure, and WhatsApp is a great channel for that, which these days even the common man has access to, so that will definitely again impact the voters mindset.
– Nupura Hautamaki, Mkt and Events consultant , Guirim
From the point of view of the pandemic, it’s a good idea as the objective of pre-election action is to convey the plan of action of the party, or rather, the candidate to the public, which is happening through social media, anyway. Just that, opinions formed based on online dissemination of information could be misled, unless they’re corroborated by an authentic person. Rest all good!
– Ameya Nayak, Academic, Panaji
Media keeps us informed of what is happening around us. Social media is no different. Social media drives Information, learning, and knowledge. So elections too will be driven by social media. In the USA, we saw how foreign countries played a major role in the elections there. In India, BJP was the 1st mover. But other parties are catching up. Social media is here to stay and parties have to adopt as that is where the action will be. And with digital payments happening today, why should only people on the ground have all the fun.
– Bharat Kamat, Entrepreneur, Vasco
Social media now rules all aspects of life, every country’s election outcome depends on social media campaign strategy. Since Goa is not too far behind the rest of the world, people here are bound to be influenced by online tintos. This could be a good thing as the online world is quite transparent, everyone knows what Mrs. Pinto heard at the tinto thanks to social media.
– Colin D cruz, Musician, Sangolda
Social media has the power to share information quickly. At the same time it’s prudent to understand the balance between fact and fiction. While social media is a medium to share information the truth of the message is left to the reader. Fortunately people are mature enough to decide what is real and what is fake. Eg. Youth today, on one hand may appear to believe doctored videos but at the same time they are aware of so many tools that can be used to create them. If anything, a holistic approach with clearly enough time given to understand voters’ expectations and develop a well planned road map of a manifesto, can be the only hope.
– Jervis Pereira, Entrepreneur, Mapusa