Category: Politics
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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 – 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…
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Short explainer – What is the personalization of politics? What are the negatives and positives?
The personalization of politics refers to the focus on the personality and characteristics of political candidates, rather than on their policies and positions on issues. While personalization can have some positive effects, such as helping voters to relate to candidates and making politics more engaging for the general public, it can also have negative consequences,…
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Short explainer – Why do politicians and parties use social media?
From campaign ads to viral memes, politicians and political parties are using social media to win elections and govern in the digital age. But what drives their use of these platforms, and how do they effectively connect with voters and shape public opinion? Our article delves into the strategies and tactics politicians and parties use…
Tristan Hotham 