Congress Still a Bit Short on Social Media Savvy

Eight of every 10 members of Congress are on Facebook and Twitter, but social media experts say lawmakers should be more interactive in using online communication tools to reach out to young people, one of their most elusive constituent groups,” according to a recent Associated Press article. When it comes to tweeting, Republicans have an edge over Democrats in both chambers.

From the article:

Lawmakers … should be using social media to actively engage that 18-29 crowd instead of as another one-way communication tool to tout their latest talking points.

"Social media has gone from a publishing platform to a really interactive space," says Andrew Foxwell, manager of marketing and new media at iConstituent, a firm assisting congressional offices with constituent outreach. "You have to interact. That's the added value of social media."

…

Youth advocacy group leaders urge lawmakers to use social media for more than dry policy statements and talking points.

"We want to know how you're feeling," says Angela Peoples of Campus Progress, who advises members of Congress to be "genuine" in their social media usage. "If you're frustrated with the process, share that with your social media tools."

Read the full article at the link below.