Campaigning in cyberspace

Since 2011, SMU Living Analytics Research Centre Director and Professor of Information Systems LIM Ee Peng has been monitoring social media platforms like Twitter, during the election period. He noted that Twitter was one of the top platforms in the 2011 elections. This time round, People’s Action Party was most mentioned, followed by the Workers’ Party. However, it was difficult to determine if the mentions were positive or negative. Prof Lim also observed the usage of other platforms like Instagram and Facebook, noting that the few boundaries between the various platforms made it “easier for people to find content”. He also added that while the elections were debated, not all content generated was serious. The mothership.sg’s “Makan places nearby to eat with your kakis” and The Middle Ground’s GE2015 Zodiac were some examples of fun content generated for a serious event.

The Star Onine