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February 25 MPs online: the dawn of direct democracy?
(Image © PA)
What's happening?
MPs are increasingly using social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to keep constituents informed, but failing to engage them in two-way conversation. That’s according to a new report, ‘MPs online’, by the Hansard Society. Independent political researchers studied how 168 MPs use digital media to connect with their constituents – and it seems they’re doing plenty of talking, but very little listening.
What are people saying?
Speaking at its launch, Dr Andy Williamson, of Hansard, said: “MPs aren’t good users of technology – most use it in despatch mode, with no interaction or feedback. Their current grade would be a D.” Labour’s Tom Harris, the first minister to blog his own sacking when he was fired from Gordon Brown’s frontbenches last year, agreed. He blogs not to interact with voters, but to voice his opinions and prove politicians are “kind of normal” – interested in Dr Who and karaoke.
Why should we give a damn?
If MPs learn to use innovative technology in innovative ways, rather than as the online equivalent of shoving leaflets through letterboxes, the impact on politics “will be absolutely revolutionary,” said Tory MP Douglas Carswell (who admits he doesn’t update his own Twitter feed – his wife does it for him). Barack Obama led by example during the US elections, deploying social media tools to garner and engage voters. He now has 325,872 followers on Twitter. By listening – and, more importantly, responding – to constituents, online MPs could bring about a new era of direct democracy, giving us unprecedented input into how our country is run. Or could it?
Your thoughts? Comments (52)
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