Social media a big factor in 2012 election

WASHINGTON – It may appear on your Facebook page, or in a link sent in an email or Twitter feed from a friend.

A new survey indicates more and more people are getting their political information online and through social media outlets.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project says 55 percent of the registered voters they surveyed have watched political videos online this election season.

That includes online news reports, slickly produced campaign videos or commercials, prerecorded speeches or press conferences, live press conferences or appearances, advertisements or humorous parody videos.

Among the findings:

  • 48 percent watched news video about the election on line
  • 40 percent have watched prerecorded speeches or press conferences.
  • 37 percent have watched humorous pieces.
  • 36 percent have watched political advertisements online.
  • 28 percent have watched live events including the debates online

The survey also found that 52 percent of registered voters have received recommendations from other people on which online videos to watch this election.

The survey has also indicated Democrats and Republicans are equally likely to watch political videos online or recommend them to others.

WTOP’s Hank Silverberg contributed to this report. Follow Hank and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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