To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

The Six Types Of Social Media LAD You Find In A General Election

The Six Types Of Social Media LAD You Find In A General Election

Why they do what they do.

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

The General Election is upon us. Since Theresa May announced on 18th April that the country would once again go to the polls, there have been six weeks of verbal scraps between politicians.

But there are bigger rumblings than a battle bus pulling into your street, louder cries than the shouting on a TV debate, and greater arguments than those between Liam and Noel Gallagher.

We're talking the social media politician. Suddenly, your Facebook feed becomes littered with opinions and your Twitter timeline can't move for a vote-related tweet.

From the non-voters to those who campaign for you to 'change the world'; from the opinion shouters to the argument lovers; from the future Prime Minister to the quiet Quentin, you can't move for politics.

The LAD Who Doesn't Believe In Voting

Jack is 25 and from Oxfordshire. His constituency is a Conservative stronghold, but that doesn't mean he's blue... or red, or anything for that matter.

He said: "I think, largely, it's because I don't really follow politics. I see all the posts and the news, but I've never really felt that I've had a strong opinion of either party. Someone will always have a different view, what they promise the country, but will it make a major difference? It's often just words and I don't think it'll change."

Credit: Facebook

However, Jack is aware that if we all voted then perhaps change would happen. He also added that, as he doesn't vote, he doesn't moan about politics, which is a common criticism of people who don't vote.

Jack said: "I don't think anything will make me vote. Only if something really bad happens, such as Britain in a crisis, and the government system was breaking down. If someone then offered something that felt like a realistic solution then I would change my stance.

"A change of the voting system may make me vote. If I felt my vote mattered, like proportional representation. Right now if you vote, and the party you voted for doesn't have the most votes, your vote counts for nothing."

The LAD Who Can't Keep Their Opinions to Themselves

Manchester native John is 24 and now lives in London. Both of his constituencies are Labour biased, but he himself is a Conservative.

He told LADbible: "I voice my opinion on social media as it's the best way for me to easily show my opinion to a lot of people at once, without having to start a conversation about it. I sometimes avoid having to talk to people about politics, so doing this allows people to know your opinion without having to engage them."

John said that he usually opts for subtlety over shouting. He goes for short, to the point, factual arguments, believing saying something clearly and concisely is more likely to change someone's opinion. But it's not to aggravate people.

Credit: Facebook

John said: "You get to the point where you know certain people's opinions won't change because they have their mind made up - so having a joke about it is fine. I never do it to wind people up on social media."

He chooses which posts or comments to make, as opposed to being like 'people who talk with their emotion rather than their brain and thinking rationally'.

John added: "I like to think that people value my opinion across my family, friends and work circles and it may make them think more rationally."

The LAD Who Just Thinks It's Important To Vote

Kate is 26 years old. Voting, to her, is 'so, so important'.

"At the end of the day, it's our future that we're deciding. We're choosing who runs our country and who we believe can do it best," she explained to LADbible.

Again, taking the stance that no complaint can come from an individual who doesn't vote, Kate said that it's much more important than just voting for Jeremy Corbyn or Theresa May.

"Some people aren't voting because they don't like Corbyn or May but at the end of the day, they are our only options. And I'd rather actually chip in for something than leave it to the oldies who have already lived their lives, and aren't actually thinking about their kids or grandchildren's future.

"I'll be honest, I don't know of any other way than to stress how important it is for their future."

Credit: Facebook

Adding that British politics needs a shake-up - after all, this is the third time Brits will head to the polls for a major decision in two years - Kate believes there are ways to make it more exciting, particularly for young people.

She said: "America made politics exciting by all the celebrities getting involved and making those videos and subtly dissing Trump.

"That over here would not only be hilarious, but it could be viral and really good for young people. I've enjoyed seeing the memes and shitposts, too; they're kind of relevant."

Her final message would be for people to realise what their vote means. She said: "People don't realise how much politics, and the right leader, can impact their lives on a daily basis. It comes from something as simple as buying stuff in the shops to huge things like student loans, being able to get on the property ladder and being able to be treated in a hospital in an emergency word for free."

The LAD Who Just Wants To Get In An Argument

Declan, 25, loves winding people up over most things, but that goes up a gear when the General Election comes around.

"I think, more than anything, it's to get a rise out of people, but it's also to show up what their argument is," he told LADbible. "I could be wrong in my thoughts and opinions, it's interesting to see what they think, but more often than not, I'm right."

It's all about the justification for Declan. He said: "I make them look stupid when they come out with stupid things that various parties have come out and said. I tell them to justify it, show me your way of thinking."

Staying true to what he believes in, Declan likes to play devil's advocate, knowing that saying the right word can instigate an argument.

"I've been proven wrong and held my hands up, I'm not afraid to admit it," he said. "But when I win, I definitely gloat, although that doesn't go down well sometimes.

"I think political opinions are where people get most passionate. It's because different people are affected in different ways by political issues."

But Declan also said: "The ones that annoy me the most are the people who just tune in to the General Election, use the soundbites, don't pay attention to anything else and just read what is in the press."

The LAD Who Suddenly Thinks They Are A Politician

Every few years, politics becomes the centre of attention on your Facebook and Twitter feeds. Your friends, so used to debating last night's football, suddenly become Jeremy Corbyn's spin doctor, or Theresa May's deputy. Matt, 25, is one of those people.

He said: "Usually, for four of the five non-general election years, I just try and keep my opinions to myself. I think you can voice your opinion but I don't think you should sway someone.

Electoral Dysfunction
Electoral Dysfunction

"But then, during the general election, suddenly politics is more relevant. It's the subject on everyone's mind and it's easier to talk about. I start to talk with colleagues - if someone mentions something, you start voicing your opinions.

"I'll start sharing things on social media, although I largely stay clear of it for politics."

"I get my information from the news," he added. "That way I can make sure that I'm 99 percent sure about what I'm about to say. Politics can be opinionated and inaccurate so I try and get the facts. The newspapers tend to lean one way or another, so I guess your views side with what you are exposed to most."

He continued: "There is a little fear of being judged, but as the pub chat changes from football to politics, I do get the mick taken out of me quite a bit."

The LAD Who Keeps Quiet About Who They Are Voting For

Sophie is 24 and will definitely vote, but who for is kept under close wraps.

She told LADbible: "I have voted in every local and general election ever since I turned 18 and always will. I'm often reminded of the sacrifice women before me made to ensure our voices are heard. It's important for women and very important for the younger generation to ensure we vote and influence who our government is."

But why keep quiet? Social media is a cruel place at time, and she blames the 'Tory-bashing'.

Credit: PA

"I like to stay open-minded with a lot of things but I'm also very set on how I feel about the main political party leaders, their manifestos and other aspects of the parties," Sophie added. "I don't think my view will change on Thursday, I've watched the debates (or not so much of a debate without the Prime Minister) and have generally kept up-to-date on what is being said in the media."

Sophie also recognises that there needs to be more done to gain greater interest. "Many people aren't interested enough in politics," she concluded. "I'll admit I've only started to take an interest in the last couple of years since Brexit talks came about."

But did she vote in or out? Is she red, blue, green, yellow, purple? Only Sophie will know as she heads to the polls on 8th June.

'Electoral Dysfunction' is our campaign that's sparking conversation around this week's General Election. In the run up to 8 June we're asking you about the issues that matter to you - we've already heard about 'How Grime Emerged As A Political Force Ahead Of The General Election' and looked at The LADs Defying Political Stereotypes Around The Election.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: general election, Labour, Politics