Silvio Berlusconi Turns To Facebook For Support

Italian PM, Silvio Berlusconi, has been using Facebook to trample rumors of his resignation over Italy’s financial situation. Not only does he face criticism over the nations debt but also due to his character and persona in international politics and his own nation that he needs to contend with.

Regardless of thoughts and feelings about Itlay’s situation and ones personal views of the Italian Stallion, the fact that Facebook is used in such a prominent and highly intense situation goes to show how powerful a tool it really is, whether for good or for bad. Turning to social media in an attempt to quench rumors is certainly one way of getting your views to the masses. Facebook is open, any one access a page, people can comment, discuss and debate. It really does allow maximum socialisng and interaction over a situation in which millions of people have their own views.

Desperate Or Defiant?

Having politicians online and using social networks is a great idea, a way for getting the youth interested, making their beliefs and policies known in an easy to access manner. Maybe it even makes them more accountable to the people if more people can easily see what they stand for, what they say, what they do? Yes, but only if it’s used correctly.

Social Media Versus The Media

In a situation where all of Europe, if not the World, are watching every move closely and judging, maybe it’s not clever to use only social networks to communicate. The European financial situation can change lives, for the worst. It’s something that people are taking very seriously, are passionate about, judging the actions of all the politicians involved. So is using Facebook to officially confirm that you will not be resigning from being Prime Minister really appropriate? Surely holding a news conference with the Worlds media would be more relevant and sensible and mature? After all, maturity, trust and responsibility are all something the Italian people and European Politicians are looking for if they will be bailing them out of debt and restoring their national pride. Using Facebook to interact seems a little crude with maybe a hint of desperation about it.

Kay Take Away

Facebook is something that is more often related to teenagers and light hearted fun. Yes, it absolutely can be used to express opinion, get political, interact and listen but sometimes, hard hitting matters need more than that. They need an adult approach, official channels, traditional methods that the people can relate to, that they are used to and that makes them feel more secure. The news channels and tv cameras offer that. They offer a more certain stance, more scrutiny for the people watching, listening and reading. But maybe times have changed, maybe Facebook is the new news media…