2014+Indian+Election

Saajan Paul April 21, 2014 Language & Culture Project X02387749 __The Influence of Social Media __ Social media has come a long way since the late 1980s, when it was first introduced. Many people believed that social media would play an insignificant role in reality, and phase out quickly. But those who believed this were completely wrong. Since the introduction of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and even YouTube; social media has begun to play a key role in many debates, campaigns, and even scientific research. In the past decade more and more people are now relying on social media to help them get their voices heard. Social media was something that no one saw coming. It allows almost anyone accessible to a computer to speak his or her voice, and interact with anyone halfway around the world. Recently, social media has become a major component in the 2014 Indian Elections between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi. With more than five billion dollars spent, the 2014 Indian Election has become one of the most costly and nerve wrecking election in India’s history. So what made this election so expensive? The incorporation of social media! Unlike previous elections in India, both candidates whom are running for the position of Prime Minister are devoting up to two to five percent of their campaign money to persuade voters via social media. With more than two hundred million people visiting social media sites daily in India, each vote counts. According to a study conducted by CNN, it states that both parties are examining the 2012 U.S elections to understand what caused Barack Obama to win that election. Even the smallest action can contribute to a win or a loss. Both candidates have created YouTube channels to convince Indian citizens between the ages of eighteen and nineteen to vote. Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi wish to convince the incoming twenty million voters to vote for them. Facebook pages provide information on both candidates as well as, what they stand for. These pages allow individuals to quickly understand what each candidate stands for and what he wishes to change in the near future. By using social media the candidates can quickly and efficiently interact with people and clarify any misunderstanding within a matter of a couple seconds. Everything about this election has changed compared to previous elections held in India. For the first time in India’s history, the Indian government is requesting voters to sign up on to the “Communication Plan for Election system” which is an automated system used to notify voters of unintentional events. It would allow the “Election Commission of India” to provide direct information to India’s citizens in the event of a terrorist attack or change in poll timings. New poll machines have also been developed by the Indian government which will alert the local police if anyone tries to manipulate the outcome of the election, as well as create false reports. Undoubtedly, this election will change how future elections will be conducted in India. Both candidates have taken the term “Moving with the times” seriously in the hopes of becoming India’s next Prime Minister. A study conducted by Assocham, shows an increase in views on India’s version of Google, Facebook, and Twitter; indicating that people are receiving most of their information via these online giants, as well as, recommending the sites to others. Millions of dollars have been spent on propaganda encouraging Indian citizens to vote for either candidate. Only ten percent of India’s entire population has access to a computer, yet both candidates believe that the results may come neck to neck and the candidate with the slightest advantage will win. Creating Facebook pages and uploading videos onto YouTube aren’t the only things that the two Candidates are doing. Candidate Narendra Modi’s party has created a game available on the Google Play Store called “Run Modi”, which was created to symbolize Modi as a hero and someone who is fun and heroic. This simple technique will contribute to Modi’s reorganization and help persuade the minds of the players that Modi is a good guy wanting the best for India. It is fascinating how something so simple and ordinary can be used towards someone’s advantage. Rahul Gandhi’s party has also established a game similar to “Run Modi” called “Kursi Cricket”. Although these games may seem to have been created for small children to play that is not entirely correct or true. With the majority of the voters between the ages of eighteen and thirty, the candidates for both parties believe that the people between this age group will be tech-savvy, which will help establish popularity amongst the candidates in the attempt of winning their votes. It is quite amazing how far people will go in order to win. It is extremely unclear who will walk away as a winner when the 2014 Indian Elections end on May 12th. Both candidates have spent a tremendous amount of time and money to seek an advantage of their counterpart. Social media has come a long way since it was first introduced and it has taken part in some of the most highly controversial topics around the world. Technology has introduced some of the most extraordinary techniques available to influence people all over the world, as well as, change the lives of billions. The outcome of this election is unknown, but one thing that it certain is that this election will have the greatest number of voters in India’s history.

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