Social Media and Political Participation of Today’s Citizens

Abstract

This article is intended to present the use of online media in the form of 
political participation in today's era where communication is constantly evolving. 
Changes in political expression in the form of political participation using information 
technology to play a political role in terms of using online media as a channel allow 
political participation to happen at any time through the Internet. Also, wireless 
communication technology has linked information and communication channels for 
people to become easier, convenient, and faster. As a result, people can contact and 
exchange ideas with ease. This includes politics, which allows people to participate in 
politics through social media. Therefore, social media have become an important 
tool for political participation in many countries, including Thailand. Social media can 
be used to engage in politics in a number of ways, including: 
1. Political campaigns: Political parties and candidates can use social media 
platforms to promote their campaigns and reach voters. Social media are a cost
effective way to reach a large audience and allow candidates to engage directly with 
voters through comments, likes, and shares.  

2. Political Discussion: Social media platforms are places for people to discuss 
political issues and share their opinions. This allows citizens to participate in political 
debates and express their opinions. 
3. Mobilization: Social media can be used to mobilize people for political 
action, such as for organizing protest rallies or encouraging people to vote in 
elections.  
4. Accountability: Social media can be used to hold politicians accountable for 
their own actions. Including people can use social media to follow the actions of 
politicians and blame behavior that they see as inappropriate or unethical. 
5. Transparency: Social media can promote political transparency by providing 
citizens with access to information about political processes and decision-making. It 
will, for example, increase trust in political institutions and improve citizen 
participation in the political process.