Congress has a love/hate relationship with new media

A recent article from the LA Times discusses the love affair Congress Members have with Twitter. American’s politicians are using Twitter to communicate with staff, constituents and effectively campaign for themselves.  For once Congress seems to be ahead of the curve, in a recent survey of advertisers:

Almost half of the 1,015 advertisers polled said that Twitter use will grow exponentially over the next few years, compared with just 12% of consumers who felt the same. One-fifth of…….advertisers and 12% of consumers say Twitter is just something for young people, which contradicts a much-publicized report by a Morgan Stanley intern arguing the opposite. If McCain and his 150 fellow Congressional Twitterers, according to Tweet Congress, are any indication of the website’s audience, it’s not a young person’s game. -via Is Congress the ultimate ad agency with Twitter? | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times.

Recently we had a conversation with Nancy Tarr, whom we hope will play a major role within#NMP, about this phenomenon. The very people who will have to decide on important legislation in the coming future regarding this space are still trying to understand how to use social media. The simple fact is, Congress (members and staff) are in this torrid love hate relationship with the reality that Twitter, YouTube, live streaming from your mobile device, is making the world and policy making more accessible and transparent.

The major question is: Do we want Congress to be an ad agency for new media? (more…)

Does Twitter Have a Place in Government?

Not surprisingly, heralding a transparent government is much easier to do when in opposition than in leadership.  Case in point is last week’s admission by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs that the White House has blocked online access to Twitter.  Although, the White House does have several  official Twitter accounts, actual White House employees are not Twittering about their daily adventures.

Government transparency in the form of social media is a hotly contested issue.  Some say that blocking employee access to social media sites is great news as taxpayer money is not being wasted on using Twitter on White House time.  Of course this logic is slightly flawed for those of us living in the digital age can access Twitter via our mobile phones.  However, the message being sent by invoking this policy is strong; social media is vital on the campaign trail but dangerous when governing.

Can social networks be harmful to government?  Worse yet do they pose a security risk?

Before delving into those questions, lets take a look at identity manipulations issues on Twitter.  Now when I joined Twitter I used my favorite screen name and linked it to my email and full name.  I am who I  say I am.  This is not always the case on Twitter, especially where celebrities are involved.  Twitter profile fakes for celebrities such as Emma Watson, the Dhali Lama, and Tony LaRussa have gained huge followings.   In an effort to delegitimize these impostors Twitter has created verified account status, which can only be obtained by the celebrity or their agent. (more…)

UK Politicians Using Twitter and Facebook

The Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Electoral Commission are among 14 political organizations whose marketing plans are examined in a new report by Pearlfinders. The report’s introduction states: ‘We’ve found many of the organizations have fully integrated marketing communications strategies, from traditional door-drop direct marketing activity, to a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.’