The Internet as a Check & Balance

I wanted to share the PEW Research Center's conclusion about "Where the Public Learns about Political Campaigns" posted by Erick Schonfeld over at TechCruch. As one would surmise, the influence of the internet as a legitimate medium for a marketplace of ideas is growing. Since 2000 Local Television News has dropped from 48% to 40% as a source where individuals regularly learn about Presidential Campaigns. The Internet jumped from 9% to 24%, the largest increase by any group. Another interesting point is that the older one is the more likely that person will rely on traditional media sources such as Local TV or Newspaper. The 18-29 year-old demographic uses the internet (42%) much more than older users (15%). Traditional News Agencies dominate as the source on the internet with MSNBC.com receiving about 26%.

What are the implications? Well, I believe as the internet becomes more mainstream with individuals becoming more web based research savvy, it will be the most dominant medium for obtaining information. Websites and YouTube Videos will help to remind voters and expose Political Candidate's lies more efficiently. As more people began to rely less on traditional forms of media for news one will see a more intelligent voter base. The web is helping to connect people much faster to issues and is a vast library of recorded video for one to review upon desire. No longer must you wait to see the six o'clock news to see what Candidate X said about Candidate Y, you will be able to view the clip instantaneously. The impact of the internet in just the last four years is quite evident when one observes the role websites such as MoveOn.org or political blogs play. In a previous post about a YouTube Video titled "Vote Different," I speculated on the impact that the internet would have on voters, based on ads created by supporters but not affiliated nor approved by political campaigns. I expect the internet to become a form of Check and Balance to Political Elections. You are no longer immune from deception when everyone can review your comments for your years to come.