A view of 2016 through the social media lens

As the year 2016 draws to a close, the world is reflecting on the monumental events that have shaped both local and international politics. One of the key platforms that has provided insights into these events is social media. This week, CNBC Africa delved into the data with Freddie Herbst from Brand's Eye to discuss the sentiments surrounding the release of the State of Capture report in South Africa and the run-up to the 2016 US Presidential Election. The discussion provided fascinating insights into how social media has responded to these critical events and how they have influenced public opinion. The US Presidential Election has been a closely contested race between two polarizing candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The data presented by Freddie Herbst revealed the fluctuations in social media sentiment towards the candidates over the past few months. Clinton initially held a strong position in August, but faced a dip in September. However, she regained traction in November. Surprisingly, Trump gained momentum in the final week of October following the email leaks related to Clinton. Conversations about Trump increased by a staggering 114% from September to October, indicating a significant shift in public perception. It was noted that accusations against Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State resonated more with voters than Trump's personal indiscretions. The data also illustrated the battleground states' dynamics, showing how closely contested the election is in states like Pennsylvania and Florida. Clinton managed to hold on to New Hampshire and Pennsylvania despite losing ground in September. The recent weeks saw more shifts as she fought her way back in the race. The analysis emphasized the significance of every single vote in what is expected to be one of the most crucial elections in US history. One of the intriguing aspects highlighted was Trump's repeated claims of a rigged system, which sparked conversations around the legitimacy of the election process. A notable 4% of all conversations revolved around the notion of rigging, with Trump being the primary instigator of this narrative. This focus on the election process overshadowed discussions on key policy issues such as foreign policy and healthcare, raising concerns about the diversion of public attention from substantive matters. Shifting focus to South African politics, the release of the State of Capture report generated significant online conversations. With 150,000 mentions online, the report captivated public interest with discussions revolving around the implicated individuals and President Zuma's legal team's reactions. Additionally, the mention of Eskom in the report, specifically related to Brian Molefe's explanations, sparked humor and memes online. South Africans displayed their characteristic wit and humor in response to Molefe's claims, adding a lighthearted touch to a serious issue. The data analysis provided by Brand's Eye offered valuable insights into the public sentiments surrounding these pivotal events. The intersection of social media and politics has reshaped the way individuals engage with and perceive political developments. The reflections on the 2016 US Presidential Election and the State of Capture report underscore the power and influence of social media in shaping public discourse and opinion. As we approach the end of a tumultuous year, the digital landscape continues to be a significant arena for the exchange of ideas, opinions, and information.