Truth vs Hype: Trending #Democracy
Delhi's record-breaking turnout has raised a key question: why did higher numbers of voters come out, and who gains? Going by the exit polls, it looks like the BJP might win by an edge. But go by social media and it appears that the thousands of people who queued up were enthused by the Aam Aadmi Party. This week, we ask whether platforms like Twitter and Facebook simply amplify levels of interest, or can they directly impact voting patterns? Is it even possible to answer these questions, given the new findings on how parties might be faking the extent of their online support? And can strong social media presence ever substitute for a strong grassroots mobilisation needed to win elections? (Read more)
