Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snap Chat are platforms in which people are able to communicate with other people anywhere, anytime. From thumbs hitting the send button on an iPhone, or a person sending out a tweet, people are able to connect with anyone instantly all around the world. People are able to like pictures, tweet as they would write passages in a diary, or send ten second pictures or videos to friends. But social platforms, are even more than just a grandmother finding out what her grandchildren are doing while they are at college, or a soccer mom tweeting about the long line of cars at the school pick up: Social media in the 21st century is an essential part of democracy.

Because social media platforms have such a high population, and the decline of newspapers being sold on stands, and the lack of people answering house phones, or owning one, politicians are forced to take their messages to platforms like social media since they are completely free for the users. Since politicians are bringing their messages to these platforms whether it's a candidates twitter account tweeting where they are campaigning that day, or a candidate posting a video message about a policy, or what they want to accomplish every single adult who has access to the internet, has the chance to be part of the democratic process for free.

The democratic engagement doesn't just end with politicians posting their messages, or advertising their events on social media. Unlike newspapers, and TV news segments the average Joe is able to make comments, and tweet directly at campaigns, as fast as it takes to click send. And the interaction between different people on social media sites, is something you can't really find anywhere else. People are able to express their views whether it's someone posting a meme on Facebook, or commenting on someone's status about Donald Trump's latest soundbite. Everywhere people are able to be actively engaged in the political process.

So the next time someone views social media as only a bad thing, they should reconsider the good it does for our democratic process. At no cost at all.