Social messaging in Maine’s political campaigns has become downright anti-social — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine

LEWISTON, Maine — In the battle to message voters, political campaigns and their supporters in Maine are increasingly turning to social media — including Twitter and Facebook — to promote candidates and causes. But, the ever-evolving and instant medium also pre

sents pitfalls and problems that may cause more trouble than they are worth.

And, some experts say, the anti-social messaging may even be ruining the young political operatives responsible for the social media bloom.

“Social media has become the hot commodity for campaigns and, like the snake oil salesman of the past, people are saying it will cure every political ill,” Mark Harris, a co-founder and partner of Cold Spark Media said in a recent column published by Campaigns & Elections. “But in the rush to rightfully develop a strong social media presence, too many young campaign operatives have lost sight of what actually moves persuadable voters.”

Harris goes on to point out that the most dependable voters, usually older and not always dissuaded or distracted by social media, are seldom influenced by a Facebook post, let alone a tweet.

“Many voters, especially older voters who are your most reliable voting demographic, don’t use it. Some have no idea what Twitter is,” Harris said.

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