Students track social media’s role in election

Students working in Clemson University’s Social Media Listening Center are exploring the impact of social media use among candidates in the race for South Carolina governor. Students found a clear distinction between candidates’ preferences and which social media outlets they use to remain connected with their supporters. Republican Nikki Haley and independent Republican Tom Ervin are frequent Facebook users. Clemson professor Joseph Mazer says figures show that Haley reaches an audience between 45 and 54 years old; Ervin reaches an audience between 45 and 64. Students found Democrat Vincent Sheheen is more present on Twitter, where he connects with a much younger audience, reaching a 35 to 44 age demographic.