De la Pantalla al Poder: Influencia de las Redes Sociales en los Procesos Electorales de la provincia de Manabí Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This research explores the impact of digital platforms on the changing electoral context in the Manabí region, emphasizing the important role of networks such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram in shaping public opinion and mobilizing voter turnout. The paper aims to analyze how candidates and parties use these tools to disseminate strategic messages, interact with the electorate, and counter misinformation. Through surveys and content analysis, it reveals how social media not only amplifies the voices of political leaders but also enables more active citizen participation, impacting the political agenda and electoral decisions. The challenges surrounding the ethics and veracity of the content circulating on these platforms are analyzed. It can also be concluded that social media has transformed the electoral dynamic in Manabí, enhancing the transparency and complexity of the democratic process, highlighting the need to develop an appropriate regulatory framework and promote digital education to maximize the benefits and negative outcomes that the use of these tools can generate.