Social media has become an increasingly powerful tool for citizens to stay informed and engaged in politics. In Boise, Idaho, the purpose of social networks is to disseminate information about the City and its departments to its citizens, as well as provide a forum for discussion and meeting. A recent study conducted on nearly three million different posts on social networks found that posts about a political opposition were more likely to be shared than those about a political friend, especially if the post reflected “animosity towards that opposition” (Van). This suggests that social media can be used to spread awareness of political issues and mobilize people to take action.
In Boise, social media has been used to rally support for various causes. For example, in 2019, a group of citizens used Facebook and Twitter to organize a protest against a proposed tax increase. The protest was successful in convincing the City Council to reject the proposal. Social media can also be used to spread awareness of political candidates and their platforms.
In 2020, several candidates for local office used Facebook and Twitter to reach out to potential voters and share their views on various issues. In addition, social media can be used to connect citizens with their elected officials. Many local politicians have active social media accounts where they post updates about their work and respond to questions from constituents. This allows citizens to stay informed about what their representatives are doing and hold them accountable for their actions. Overall, social media has become an invaluable tool for citizens in Boise, Idaho to stay informed about politics and take action on issues they care about.
It has also allowed politicians to reach out directly to their constituents and build relationships with them. The impact of social media on politics in Boise is undeniable. It has enabled citizens to stay informed about current events, rally support for causes they care about, spread awareness of political candidates and platforms, and connect with their elected officials. As the use of social media continues to grow, it will become even more important for citizens in Boise to stay engaged in politics.
