Politicians aren’t using social media as we might expect, but digital technologies are helping them draw closer to constituents. In her book Selfie Democracy, media theorist Elizabeth Losh explains the role of digital media in political engagement and voting decisions. Instead of maximising social media to reach constituents, it seems that politicians use it to exploit the social connections of the public. Elected representatives capitalise on digital media as a political arsenal not only to promote themselves but also to attack opponents through the deployment of trolls. Read full article here
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here