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Short explainer – What psychological tactics are used in political advertising and what are the implication?
Political campaigns use a variety of psychological tactics to influence voter behavior and sway public opinion. One common tactic is the use of emotional appeals, which aim to connect with voters on a deeper level and inspire them to take action. For example, a campaign may use an advertisement that evokes feelings of hope or…
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Short explainer – Virtual members? How political party membership is changing.
Virtual membership of political parties has become an increasingly important aspect of party organization and campaign strategy in recent years. Virtual members are individuals who affiliate themselves with a particular party but do not have a formal membership status. While virtual membership can be a valuable resource for parties, allowing them to reach a wider…
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Short explainer – Janus-faced campaigning. What is it and why does it matter in the social media age?
Janus-faced campaigning refers to the practice of presenting different messages or positions to different audiences in order to appeal to a wider range of voters. This can be seen as a negative practice, as it can be seen as dishonest or insincere and lead to mistrust and cynicism among voters. The power of social media…
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Short explainer – The decline of parties thesis and why it matters
The decline of parties thesis suggests that political parties, which have traditionally played a central role in democratic systems, are losing their influence and relevance. This trend is often attributed to a variety of factors, including the increasing individualization of society, the rise of social media and other forms of digital communication, and the increasing…
Tristan Hotham
Social media, politics and tech policy expert
