LETTERS: A lot of things have changed since the emergence of new information and communications technology. The Internet has been a game-changer in elections, as it allowed anyone to reach a large audience.
As expected, the non-government groups wasted no time in capitalising on the new media.
Social media itself underwent rapid change. Initially, the only way to reach a mass audience was through the short messaging service (SMS). Eventually, longer messages were possible as the Internet technology developed.
Then, audio messages were possible. Videos on the internet came along and watching programmes became mobile.
Few would disagree that the Internet has transformed democratic processes.
Groups that mastered the Internet would often emerge victorious.
We saw this in the United States elections earlier. The deployment of the so-called cybertroopers to shape public opinion became commonplace.
Those who offered credible arguments ended with bigger followings.
The greatest impact initially was felt by the more urban electorates. Rural voters remained largely untouched by the new media.
The 15th General Election (GE15) will see further change for us here.
There are two reasons for this. With the entry of the 18-year-olds as voters, social media campaigning will intensify.
Internet-savvy young voters will influence the election outcome, provided they come out to vote.
If they are smart, they will vote because much of the recent happenings in the country will have an impact on their future.
Their voices can make a difference. Issues about future jobs, environmental concerns, education and housing should rightfully worry the young.
They should not only participate in the democratic process by voting, but also influence the outcome of the election by flooding social media with their messages.
Failure to do so may result in an outcome which they will later regret.
Whatever it is, increasingly, technology is reshaping our democratic process, hopefully for the better.
PROFESSOR DATUK DR AHMAD IBRAHIM
Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy, UCSI University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times