Expert warns of using social media to target candidates

Manama : With the Kingdom set to hold elections to its parliament and municipal councils, social media has emerged the best platform for candidates to interact with their voters and vice versa. A good majority of candidates now have social media campaign team, updating their priorities and issues to be addressed on a daily basis. The number of likes would easily provide the probability of a candidate’s ability to win the minds of his voters. 

However, on the flip side, hate or smear campaigns are also on the rise with many using the social media platforms to defame candidates. Speaking to Tribune, Ali Ahmed Sabkar, global co-chair of Social Media Club Inc, said  social media has become the most effective medium for electoral candidates to communicate with their voters across the world. 

“Social media marketing is one of the most efficient ways to communicate with voters, especially the first-time and young voters. We have witnessed the role of social media in many national elections across the region. “Best use of social media tools will help candidates establish direct connection with their voters. It will also help in creating an enthusiasm in them apart from increasing the voter turnout.” 

On the contrary, Mr Sabkar said what really worries is the emerging trend of using social media platforms to defame candidates. “This is the disruptive aspect of social media. Hate speech is the perfect example of using social media in a negative manner. Thankfully we have adequate laws in the Kingdom to tackle hate speech.”