Twitter’s function as a social tool is only one rung on the ladder of its technological capacities that powerful people around the world are ascending. And recently to join the scurry to the top is British government, neatly positioned behind the Queen of England and the Queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey – both of whom have recently opened Twitter accounts.
A number of events proved that Twitter was more than a portal for cyber-geek communication, but it also had political potential. The political potential of Twitter is believed to be so great that the British government has urged civil servants to ‘tweet’ about live events, or respond to questions from the public.
There have been a few big successes that have positioned Twitter at the centre of digital communication. Information about the Mumbai attacks last year made it onto Twitter before many mainstream news channels. Twitter has enabled mass protests against governments and major corporations. It is a way of mobilising people and spreading news, fast. But perhaps more simply put, it is a way of helping people.
The fact that Twitter can be used as a space to unite activists, protesters and politicians proves its important capacity in the game of politics. Unlike other first world countries using Twitter, South Africa has a marginal percentage of its population on the internet. But this percentage is set to rise. South African politicians and media producers could be seen to have an advantage unlike their first world counterparts. South African media and politicians can learn how to effectively use new communication technologies, such as Twitter, so that by the time the Twitter buzz caught on among citizens, politicians will not fin themselves playing catch-up with the famous – as has happened in Britain and the United States.
South Africa’s low percentage of online users has always been seen as a disadvantage, but perhaps this is not the case. Unlike in first world countries where celebrities ‘tweet’ the loudest, perhaps in South Africa political figures and media producers could make sure that they are not trailing behind local super stars in the communication game, that, judging by global trends, will be played online.
ekingmaker 