Blogs, once the main source of “alternative” political news and the perfect arena to court public opinion, are giving way to Twitter. Malaysian politician like Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and our very own Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak are active users of twitter.
Internet is widely in use in today technology era. It is able to combine words and images in complex structure with logos, hyperlinks, video, graphic, music and more (Walsh, 2006). Among one of those now is Twitter. The keywords are mobility and speed. Unlike blogs, Twitter’s emphasis on short status updates over often-personal journals has made it more attractive.
Source: Anwar Ibrahim's blog
Source: Lim Kit Siang's twitter
Much is used for both professional and personal interest (Dougherty, 2010). Social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or organizations together. While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests such as politic.
The popularity and use of social networking web sites (SNWs) is rapidly increasing with these sites fast becoming one of the communication medium of preference for both young and old (Dougherty, 2010).
Twitter has become a new phenomenon. It’s short, attractive and the best way to connect with the people instantly, but still even so, blogs are still relevant. Unlike twitter, the blogs give readers the chance to learn in details what political leaders feel about current issues.
Source: Bruno Peeter. Twitterfact.com
Although Twitter started late in Malaysia, it had it’s rapid growth. The oldest twitter users date back from March 2006. Only 6 months later first users from Malaysia started using Twitter. A first increase in popularity occurred around March 2007. A next increase in popularity of Twitter started from April/May 2008, followed by a next increase in adoption speed from November 2008.
Though some may still agree that blog is able to provide more detail in learning what the political leaders feel about the current issues. Many politicians are turning to twitter because it’s short, attractive and it has the best way to connect to the people.
Reference:
Pelling, E.L. 2009. 'The Theory of Planned Behavior Applied to Young People's Use of Social Networking Web sites' Vol.12 Issue 6, p755-759, 5p, 1 chart.
Dougherty, A.B. 2010. 'Professionalism and Social Networking' Vol.2 Issue 5, p40-47, 7p, 1 Color Photograph, 1 Cartoon or Caricature
Social Networking, 2010. 'What is social networking' [Online]
http://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/
Twitter Facts, 2008. 'First state of the Twitosphere in Malaysia' [Blog]
http://twitterfacts.blogspot.com/
Wong, A. 2009. 'Poll: Opinions for Malaysia Top 100 blogs list' [Online]
http://www.riceblogger.com/blogging-news/poll-opinions-for-malaysia-top-100-blogs-list/
Source: http://twitter.com/#!/limkitsiang
Source: http://anwaribrahimblog.com/
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