In continuation from my last post, it is important for the government to engage in collaboration. In addition to collaborating with other government agencies and employees, the government should use new social media tools to team up with American citizens.
According to Oliver Marks, the January 21 memorandum from President Barack Obama represents an accurate visualization of how the government should interact with its citizens. Collaboration allows citizens to engage in the active efforts put forth by their government. Executive departments and agencies have the opportunity to build strong relationships with citizens. As a result, the feedback and cooperation they receive from citizens help them evaluate and improve their own level of collaboration.
The video below explains how Obama’s presidential campaign used the internet to pull together one of the most effective campaigns in history. For example, his weekly radio addressed turned into a weekly video on YouTube. The Web 2.0 tools, mentioned in my previous post, describe the changing age of the internet with Facebook and other social media tools. Web 2.0 allowed President Obama to tap into social networking, email and text messaging. The tools helped him organize and raise money for his campaign. Web 2.0 was not only useful for lobbying lawmakers, but for gaining support from millions of American citizens.
Now what worked for President Obama’s campaign is beginning to work for him in the White House. The goal is for a more interactive government. With this goal in mind, Obama continues to use the internet as a way to bring American citizens closer to home. The millions of supporters from his campaign are now millions of interested citizens that want to be part of the government.
But what does the future hold? Do you think President Obama will continue to find new ways to collaborate with American citizens by using White House 2.0?
Perhaps only time will tell.
Mandy,
I find it very interesting that you wrote a blog post entitled “White House 2.0″ just one day before Barack Obama’s first ever online town hall meeting.
It’s true, President Obama swept the nation with his campaign–we could even go as far as calling it: “Presidential Campaigning 2.0.”
His first online town hall meeting addressed the most popular questions asked of him on whitehouse.gov, which you cite in your post.
However, because I’ve done a lot of research on transparent social media use, “White House 2.0″ makes me a bit wary.
According to communications professional Dave Fleet, none of Obama’s social media tools are kept up by the president himself. Fleet mentions that although most of Obama’s Twitter followers know he isn’t responsible for the account, his blog readers might be more easily fooled (the blog readers aren’t as sophisticated as the early adapters on Twitter).
This brings the issue of ghostwriting into the mix.
The American people already have such a great mistrust in government. Although social media tools are meant to build more trusting relationships with audiences, do you worry that the ghostwriting involved in “White House 2.0″ will only enhance that distrusting relationship?
Lindsey,
You bring up a great point about ghostwriters. I never thought about it that way. While it is true that many people do not trust the government, I still think social media tools can help change the feelings that American citizens have toward the government. Many organizations have faced trust issues in the past, and Web 2.0 has changed people’s point of view. But at the same time, I do still worry and can see how Americans would be wary. I just feel if the mistrust is already there, why not try something new to try to change it?
Hey Mandy,
I think its great that you blogged about the White House, too. I find it really interesting that President Obama is trying to use social media to collaborate with the public.
I understand what Lindsey is saying, too. I am following President Obama on Twitter. Unfortunately I don’t believe it is the president, but an employee of his that is in charge of updating followers. His Twitter was used mainly during the election process, but recently a Tweet was made. This is his Twitter page http://twitter.com/BarackObama
President Obama is planning on using interactivity to regenerate trust in his economic system. His new social media idea is called “Renew America Together”. In a recent video President Obama explains his plans. You can check out the video and more information in an upcoming post of mine.
Hello Mandy,
Like Nicole, I follow Barack Obama on Twitter. I never once believed it was Obama, but I am okay with that. I understand the commitments of our President and know that Twitter can hardly be on his agenda in our current state. I received a tweet from Obama’s Twitter about the online town hall meeting Lindsey referred to. Answering questions submitted by American’s is a perfect way to recognize the impact of citizens and provide feedback to the country.
I agree Barack Obama won the election partly due to his use of social media. His campaign leaders knew how to engage the groundswell and take advantage of the power of the people on the internet. Obama has not let those ideas disappear since he took office. The website of the President includes videos, a blog and information that Americans want to know. President Obama has made sure to let the country in on what is currently happening in the government. I hope this has set the stage for future President’s and political actions.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Thanks for the twitter link Nicole. I look forward to reading your upcoming post.
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