Students React to Presidential Debate using Instant Polling App
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: October 3, 2012
NORMAL--The power of social media played a part in Wednesday night's presidential debate.
For the first time, college students across the country took part, voicing their reactions to the candidates through a digital device.
Instant Polling:
Until now, people used to watch presidential debates on TV then discuss candidate performance after the fact.
But there's a new digital application, giving viewers a jump start on their jabber.
"They'll be asked periodically to react to candidate statements, whether they agree or disagree with those statements," said Carl Palmer.
Palmer is political professor at Illinois State University.
He's referring to an online survey created by "React Labs."
"Social media has become a very powerful force in how people understand politics and particularly among the younger generation of voters," Palmer explained.
People can download the app from the palm of their hand, using a Smartphone or iPad.
Tailored to college students, the device asks them to rate how President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are tackling the issues.
"It's really simple," said student Matt Sanders. "It's four choices. You don't have to think about it a lot."
Students must decide if candidates are answering the questions directly, by choosing Agree, Disagree, Dodge, or Spin.
"Spinning is trying to take a fact and turn it into a lie," Sanders explained. "Take something that might be a positive and turn it into a negative."
Students utilized the device during a special debate screening at ISU.
Their answers are recorded on the spot.
"Get a sense of who won the debate really," said Palmer.
From there, information is complied, to gauge how people perceive the next leader.
By combining popular technology with politics, some hope it'll bring more informed voters to the polls.
"Making them feel part of the process is going to get students more engaged," said Sanders.
Nearly 10,000 students took part in the survey app.
Data is expected to be released Thursday.
For the first time, college students across the country took part, voicing their reactions to the candidates through a digital device.
Instant Polling:
Until now, people used to watch presidential debates on TV then discuss candidate performance after the fact.
But there's a new digital application, giving viewers a jump start on their jabber.
"They'll be asked periodically to react to candidate statements, whether they agree or disagree with those statements," said Carl Palmer.
Palmer is political professor at Illinois State University.
He's referring to an online survey created by "React Labs."
"Social media has become a very powerful force in how people understand politics and particularly among the younger generation of voters," Palmer explained.
People can download the app from the palm of their hand, using a Smartphone or iPad.
Tailored to college students, the device asks them to rate how President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are tackling the issues.
"It's really simple," said student Matt Sanders. "It's four choices. You don't have to think about it a lot."
Students must decide if candidates are answering the questions directly, by choosing Agree, Disagree, Dodge, or Spin.
"Spinning is trying to take a fact and turn it into a lie," Sanders explained. "Take something that might be a positive and turn it into a negative."
Students utilized the device during a special debate screening at ISU.
Their answers are recorded on the spot.
"Get a sense of who won the debate really," said Palmer.
From there, information is complied, to gauge how people perceive the next leader.
By combining popular technology with politics, some hope it'll bring more informed voters to the polls.
"Making them feel part of the process is going to get students more engaged," said Sanders.
Nearly 10,000 students took part in the survey app.
Data is expected to be released Thursday.
