MySpace friends flock to Rudd

Friends mean a lot in politics and if MySpace is any indication Kevin Rudd will romp it in come the next federal election. Almost 6000 people have become the Labor leader’s “friend” in MySpace, compared with a dismal eight lonely souls barracking for the Howard Government. Individual Government ministers seam to be fairing better with Malcolm Turnbull boating 126 friends and Joe Hockey registering 339 fans.

The presence of our elected leaders on MySpace points to the growing use of the Internet and its social media tools by political parties to reach increasing disparate and disaffected audiences, particularly young people. The Australian media, once dismissive of social media as a flash in the pan, are also recognizing its power as a potent political weapon with the Sydney Morning Herald declaring the “You Tube” election in a feature article last Saturday.

Comments

[Gavin Heaton]

Hey Chris ... have you seen the Kevin07 site? You can even order T-shirts. Hilarious.