How does the social media effect political socialization and what are the implications for the future?

[WinonaGal]

Wow, that question of yours is quite the mouthful. What I would like is more clarification from you in order to address is.
The "social media" must be defined as Twitter, Facebook, etc. I guess?
Political socialization? Are you referring to just being social with politicians on line or chatting about politics with friends/people of similar interest? Spreading of lies, rumors?
Or, are you referring to a trend among progressives to turn this country into a socialist nation?
More definitions are warranted, I think.
One comment I have to make about social media is that yesterday, Newt Gingrich announced his run for the presidency on Twitter. Interesting way to go about it, I suppose. I presume his followers included the major news outlets as they picked up on it right away. I personally feel Twitter is pretty useless and seldom visit. Facebook is something I have fun with and try to keep on the lighter side and refuse to get into political debates on it.