Lindsey Boerma
Perspectives Editor
Recently, I came across a friend who had never “Googled” his name before. As someone who far too often types her name into the Web giant’s search engine, basking in the glory of my online accomplishments, I found this to be an extraordinarily scandalous fact.
Whether regarding such frivolous intrigues or more substantial news, the Internet provides us with an infinite database of information. And, as the media current begins to trickle into the direction of online resources, those who make headlines are starting to reap its benefits.
Exemplifying this new form of media attention is the concept that Google singlehandedly created the presidential candidate Barack Obama.
On a Sept. 2 episode of “Your World with Neil Cavuto,” Google CEO Eric Schmidt loosely alluded to this confirmation, stating, “I think that each of these candidates makes themselves … [but], two years ago, Mrs. Clinton was the incumbent, and a relatively poorly known challenger used the Internet to get his message out.”
This media outlet is just one more aspect of technological utilization that Obama can cross off his list. It coincides with his recent dramatic surge of text messages to nearly three million supporters, announcing his choice of Joe Biden as his running mate.
While making use of the ever-increasing assets available to us is irrefutably necessary, it can also, at times, be overwhelming.
A message to the Obama campaign — we get it. Obama is the candidate of the future, the hope for tomorrow, the representative of the next generation. We don’t need an inundation of networks, e-mails and text messages constantly recapping it.
Now, Obama’s 71-year-old Republican opponent is hopping on the new technology bandwagon, as well.
In a recent maneuver that has been surprisingly low-key, John McCain’s campaign outbid Obama’s on numerous search engine terms relating to the election, including his most common competitor’s hits, such as “Biden.” The result is that, when voters search for election information, they will likely stumble across a link to McCain’s Web site.
It is a strategically masterminded but outrageously manipulative tactic — trap swing voters who wish to become more informed about the election onto a one-way street with no options to cede to but your own.
This is politics at its finest, and I understand the futility of trying to pinpoint the morally obstruct in this hotbed of constantly deteriorating ethics. The key is to be ready when the tech wave hits.
As a broadcast journalism major, I am taking an enormous gamble on whether or not television and radio will even be prominent sources of media, let alone if they will be strong enough industries to ensure a job opening. My defense is to acquire as much competence among various technologies as possible so that I will be able to jump into the circuit whenever I am ready.
In the midst of a generation that has become defined by its relentlessly changing technological resources, this is our solution.
Particularly during this socially reforming presidential election, we college students are the victims of targeted media campaigns.
However, if we remain alert to the rapid pace of this technological movement, we will be able to overlook these superficial allures and make an educated decision come November.