The relevance of social media in Singapore politics today

[scroobal]

Derek de Cunha felt that it had no part to play in the GE 015 results. Ravi Philemon who was a candidate found to his surprise during his rounds few people heard of The Online Citizen. And the fact that the social media got their prediction wrong gives a real concern for a channel that many were hoping or felt could subvert the hold of the state controlled media.

In the follow up sessions hosted by various parties on the GE2015, the role of media and in particular social media came up numerous times. Some of the common items raised were as follows
- too much information to digest
- too much disinformation, hubris, people could not make a call or rely on this channel
- backlash and or the withdrawal from this channel
- the new licensing regime and enforcement of this channel by the authorities
- known critics toning down as result of lawsuits - Alex Au in particular
- PAP fans and followers becoming more vociferous in responding to articles and information that challenge the govt and the PAP on various matters.
- the creation of a fully staffed media management bureau under Janadas Devan within PMO
- poor use of this channel by opposition MPs

Not sure what the problem lies but it is worth a discussion.

 

[Leongsam]

Those who pour scorn and derision on the PAP in social media platforms still vote for them if it in their interests to do so.

That pretty much sums it up in my opinion.

I found this out simply by talking to a cross section of sinkies that I know. That's how I guessed the ruling party would receive 70% support this time round.

 

[yahoo55]

There's one thing that Derek de Cunha said before the last GE that I agree with. He said that a large percentage (over 30%) of the Sinkie electorate are apathetic voters who are forced to vote simply because voting is compulsory. These apathetic voters are not interested and don't follow politics, their voting is based on very rudimentary reasons like recognizing the PAP logo or the PAP kindergarten etc.

These apathetic voters don't follow social media, their only source of news are from the PAP controlled MSM, and they are also easily influenced by PAP propaganda in the MSM. These apathetic voters have been the key to PAP's election success.

Unfortunately social media in Sinkie politics is still very small, most dumb Sinkies sheeples still get their news from PAP controlled MSM.

 

[Leongsam]

Unfortunately social media in Sinkie politics is still very small, most dumb Sinkies sheeples still get their news from PAP controlled MSM.

I get most of my news from the internet but I would still vote for the PAP when the elections come round every five years because most of their policies are logical and pragmatic despite the numerous shortcomings of the party and the hiccups in recent years.

 

[yahoo55]

I get most of my news from the internet but I would still vote for the PAP when the elections come round every five years because most of their policies are logical and pragmatic despite the numerous shortcomings of the party and the hiccups in recent years.

Did you vote in the last Sinkie GE? I thought you are a NZ citizen.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Derek de Cunha felt that it had no part to play in the GE 015 results. Ravi Philemon who was a candidate found to his surprise during his rounds few people heard of The Online Citizen. And the fact that the social media got their prediction wrong gives a real concern for a channel that many were hoping or felt could subvert the hold of the state controlled media.

In the follow up sessions hosted by various parties on the GE2015, the role of media and in particular social media came up numerous times. Some of the common items raised were as follows
- too much information to digest
- too much disinformation, hubris, people could not make a call or rely on this channel
- backlash and or the withdrawal from this channel
- the new licensing regime and enforcement of this channel by the authorities
- known critics toning down as result of lawsuits - Alex Au in particular
- PAP fans and followers becoming more vociferous in responding to articles and information that challenge the govt and the PAP on various matters.
- the creation of a fully staffed media management bureau under Janadas Devan within PMO
- poor use of this channel by opposition MPs

Not sure what the problem lies but it is worth a discussion.

The problem with social media in Singapore is the same problem faced with opposition parties: both need a core group of people willing and able to produce high quality engagement on a more or less full time basis.

TOC is just a one man show now. Where are the others when why aren't they more participative? Everyone has their own careers to attend to, and it's not as if TOC is a revenue generator. They barely cover server costs.

TOC is not willing to be overly hardhitting as well due to legal concerns, not to mention the ease with which the mainstream media and pro pap brigade can poke holes in their credibility. Some of their founding members also have strong ties to the establishment and there is a powerful disincentive against rocking the boat.

The other websites have been known to engage in cyber bullying and in presenting poorly researched info in order to score hits.

Government regulation is just one side of the story. The real problem is lack of solid writers willing to commit on a sustained basis and lift the level of engagement by offering real value

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Singaporeans go online to chat with friends, look for shopping deals, read Channel News Asia, read about sports and place bets, look at stocks, do their school projects, etc. Ask anyone what they do online. Even a pro opposition supporter will not say that he goes online to visit TOC and get the last piece on Benjamin Lim.

The main source of political info for most is thus the mainstream media and gossip amongst friends.

Those who have been scouring these websites for years now will be aware of the history of some of these websites as well. I say without the slightest compunction that apart from TOC, the other websites have engaged in cyber bullying and other low class behaviour. Richard Wan was kojakbt in the old SBF and you can review his posting history as it is archived. He was involved in several flame wars - not a good point on which to build credibility as an alternative media host. There are other names which are rather vile and which I don't care to mention. TRS, ASS, and their clones all have engaged in falsehoods which dents their credibility. People are not blind. If a pro oppo guy like me is turned off, how much more the average bloke?

 

[micromachine]

TOC is full of shit, just like All Singapore Shitty Stuff.