MySpace Revolution

MySpace is an online community phenomenon taking over every country regardless of gender, race and level of technological ability. Simon Canning's article "Politicians to seek young votes in cyberspace" in The Australian discusses the issue of My Space's domination now leading to Australian politicians using it as a medium to attract a younger audience.

Younger generations are increasingly using technology for information, entertainment and socialising. MySpace encompasses these three factors, making it a highly desirable form for any individual especially politicians. Politicians can be more open to the public, be more approachable, if you will.

Gone are the days that politicians can go into hiatus and only reappear during elections. With the age of Information Technology, politicians are required 24/7. They need to have a more public appeal. And what better way to have a public appeal than to have personal sites.

"With more than three million members registered in Australia, experts believe the online community could become an important factor in the election, connecting politicians with difficult-to-access members of generations X and Y who increasingly shun traditional media." (Canning 2007 p.15)

This is true; these generations are distancing themselves from the typical technological mediums which politicians and political parties use, TV commercials, print, brochures, letters, radio and newspapers. So politicians are coming to them, embracing MySpace and the format that entails.

"Barack Obama, John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani are among those who have embraced the new medium."(Canning 2007 p.15)


Canning, S 2007, 'Politicians to seek young votes in cyberspace', The Australian, May 31 p.15