Final answer:
The idea behind micro-targeting is to target specific demographics, utilizing narrowcasting rather than broadcasting to deliver tailored campaign messages to specialized audiences via social media and other digital platforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea behind micro-targeting is to B) Target specific demographics. Micro-targeting involves using tools like polls and target groups to determine which issues are most important to potential supporters, and crafting campaign messages tailored to these demographics. The purpose of micro-targeting is to deliver these messages efficiently, often leveraging narrowcasting techniques over new media platforms such as social media, to reach smaller, more specialized audiences to increase engagement and efficiency of the communication.
Public opinion plays a pivotal role in this, allowing elected officials to gauge what is important to the electorate and adjust their campaign strategies using micro-targeting accordingly. While traditional mass media like radio may be declining, micro-targeting through digital platforms is increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to reach more educated, younger, and technologically savvy audiences.
Therefore, campaigns often opt for a mix of traditional media and newer, more targeted online strategies to connect with their intended audience, such as the use of social media for younger demographics or television for an older market demographic.