Kingston’s Lib Dem MP Ed Davey has joined Twitter in the belief that it will help him connect with younger voters, after encouragement from Kingston students.

Although social networks were still in their infancy at the 2005 general election, they could potentially play an important role in this year’s contest, particularly in harnessing the youth vote.

Kingston University’s Liberal Democrat society suggested that Mr Davey start using the micro-blogging site. He told RiverOnline: “I have only just joined Twitter, the University students advised me to use it.”

Judith Abanto, co-president of the society, described the appeal of Twitter to student voters: “Reading long political columns when you have to study maths or chemistry doesn’t always sound realistic, but you can have Twitter on your phone...a 140 character message is clear and to the point.”

In the Lib Dem newsletter Kingston and Surbiton Voice, Mr Davey said: “I was sceptical at first, but it's as easy as texting. It's had a great response, especially from younger people. MPs must make it easy for everyone to engage with politics."

However, several Kingston students nevertheless suggested that the majority of their peer group tend to use Twitter to connect with their friends or track celebrities, rather than for political engagement. Sophie Osterberg, a third year Human Resources Management student, said: “It’s a good idea but unfortunately I don’t think it’s going to help him win-over new student voters. If you don’t already have the interest in politics, you’re not going to look him up on Twitter.”

Leaked emails from Tory spin doctor Steve Hilton have revealed that the Conservatives are also eager to “e-woo” the younger voter. However, Kingston’s Tory candidate Helen Whately worries that overreliance on social media could leave older members of the electorate behind. She said: “It's important not to forget the traditional methods of communication as well. Lots of older residents don't use the internet and I do my best to make sure they don't miss out on information because of that.”

These misgivings about Twitter are shared by David Cameron, who caused a mild furore last year when he told a radio presenter: “too many tweets might make a twat.”

Ms Whately doubts that the network provides the best way for MPs to connect with their electorate. She said: “It may be good for broadcasting an opinion, but is it so good for listening? How many politicians actually read the tweets of their voters?” RiverOnline attempted to contact both Ed Davey and Susan Kramer, the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, on Twitter but neither replied.