Social Media in Local Communities
We’re all aware of the rise in ‘Social Media’ how it has been changing the way we live and communicate on a daily basis, however how are politicians embracing this technology in their campaigns and how does it benefit to people in the community? – I personally noticed a few public figures in my area harnessing this media for the good and so thought it would be appropriate to ask them why they have chosen to go down this route.
For those not aware of social media it’s a new online communication platform that creates communities of information, people and ideas being shared in a two-way environment. Councillors and Assemble Members can engage in conversation with people using this media. Examples of online tools include Twitter, Blogs, Facebook ‘Groups’, MySpace etc.
Alun Williams who’s a Plaid Cymru County Councillor for Aberystwyth Bronglais sees this technology as an extension to his current newsletter which he has been delivering for several years to keep residents informed. Alun writes on his blog about issues in his ward and Aberystwyth, “Blogs can be more frequent and immediate”, he also uses Twitter as “It’s good for sending out quick snippets or links and because people have to click to be a follower, you know they want to read them”.
Jonathan Morgan, a Conservative AM for Cardiff North agrees “It’s important for politicians to use all methods of communication to get their message across and engage with their constituents”. This means that especially for the younger generation or for the people with busy lifestyles that can’t get to these meetings, it’s nice to have all the information sent to them directly and read at their leisure. Jonathan said that he ‘has been able to raise issues, ignite local debate within the constituency and wider in the capital city’ it has also been a way in which he can keep people informed of the nature of his work. Twitter is an example of this where through a series of short status updates has given people an insight into his working life on a daily basis. On a personal note I feel this brings politicians to life, people now know what they’re getting up to.
Many news websites seem to focus on big issues regionally/nationally and have failed to realise that the smaller issues actually mean a lot to the people that live in those areas. As well politicians, it has allowed local people to write about and publish these news stories to local people. Wales Online has noticed the growing age of local issues and has even dedicated part of their website to local issues (YourCardiff). Alun says “There’s a real thirst out there for solid information and comment about local issues”.
At this stage it’s quite difficult to measure the success of social media on a political level. In the future there may be an opportunity to research the successful politicians against whether or not they use social media. Alun says “it’ll be regarded as essential to the role one day” and I think he’s right, one day you’ll need to be engaging on all levels of communication in order to get voters to vote for you. Jonathan “Over time twitter might be a better way to engage with younger voters who do not necessarily find local papers and party leaflets appealing”.
What’s next, an iPhone App?
Online Sources –
Alun Williams Blog – http://bronglais.blogspot.com/
Follow Him – http://twitter.com/Alun_Williams
Jonathan Morgan Online – http://www.jonathanmorganam.com/
Follow Him - http://twitter.com/jonmorganam
YourCardiff – http://yourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk
