Social-Networking Web sites a Great Campaigning Tool

In a story compiled for PR Tactics and The Strategist Online, Greg Beaubien talks about how 2008 presidential hopefuls are exploring social-networking Web sites such as MySpace to engage and communicate with young people. MySpace is launching a new political section on its Web site called the "Impact Channel." Visitors will be able to look at candidates’ MySpace pages and other information about the upcoming presidential race.

I understand and support the candidates’ move to social-networking Web sites. Today’s young people rely on such means for entertainment and even use it as a news source. Web sites such as MySpace can serve as a virtual form of grassroots campaigning. If I were looking for a cheap, easy and effective way to reach a mass of young people, I would turn to social-networking Web sites. Unfortunately, young people are not as motivated to vote and participate in elections and this is a way for candidates to reach young adults where they are—on Web sites like MySpace.