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July 16, 2012 By Matt Williams
All social media platforms are not created equal in the eyes of public officials.
A new survey of 164 members of the GOVERNING Exchange, an online community of government executives, finds that Facebook and LinkedIn are used most often in the workplace. Unsurprisingly, Facebook is used at home by more that 4 out of 5 government executives. The findings reveal that Pinterest — despite being only two years old — is used at home by 1 out of 5 public servants.
Only 16 percent of respondents said they don’t use social networks at all. Meanwhile, 17 percent said someone else manages their social media accounts.
Although the numbers suggest that most government officials are using at least one social network in some capacity, 70 percent of survey respondents said government could do a better job of using social media. Sixty percent said they believe that constituents support more use of social media.
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http://www.govtech.com/e-government/What-Social-Media-Do-Government-Officials-Use-Most-GRAPHIC.html
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The chart doesn't really say much. From what I've seen (on Facebook & Twitter), many are not trying to have a conversations and engage but just to broadcast talking points and ignore conversations. They might as well stick with email.
Following up on Chris' comment, it would be interesting to see how many use these tools interactively, i.e. respond to constituent requests, comments, posts etc. I know Seattle Mayor @MayorMcGinn turns Twitter @replies and Facebook comments into service requests or makes other responses as appropriate.
Agree with both Chris and Bill. Interaction is key, and Facebbook in particular has been very useful in building micro communities within various stakeholder groups. I've been able to use social media to help stakeholders cut through red tape and get a quick answer to whatever the question or problem. Many of those following us are overseas, and I am often posting responses to questions from Cairo or Dubai well into the night.
It sounds like social media as it pertains to businesses is more like a turbo-charged FAQ page and email system put together. The only difference from traditional email is that it is public.
Government is yet to find unique ways to use social media to carryon government services. I have seen how government agencies start using Facebook or other social media platforms emulating how others use it. It has to be unique to government. It has to "feel" real to what government does. It has to have a value to the person visiting or it will not work. Even when government agencies use is better then others, most seldom know how to harness its potential. They use it more as an extension of their agency’s website. Basically you’ll find the same type of content you find in their websites. They lack the emotional connections, the stories, the pictures, and the up-to-date responses that will make people go back to their pages. Connections to real people is what social media is all about. We are yet to see real connections with government and the people that make government. Connections to your neighbor who is a police officer or your friend who also works at the Tax Collector’s office are made not because of government initiatives. Government serves communities but is yet to be part of them. I believe that better examples of social media platform usage are found in nonprofit agencies. They are leading the way in finding new ways to engage, communicate, advocate, and be part of the communities they serve.
Terrific insight and spot-on, Martha. I work for a state government agency and am leading the roll-out of a pilot program for the use of social media. I'm going to post your comment on my wall!