Why Politicians Using Twitter To Send Messages Suck

No, this is not another post about the righteous web. This is about authenticity. I remember having a post about our local politicians doing an Obama with their campaign for the 2010 Presidential elections. I was right. We are starting to see mushrooms sprouting in social media channels.

There is nothing wrong with politicians using social media channels. The web, as I’ve said earlier, is the most democratic space man has ever enjoyed. But how authentic should it be? Twitter has really grown in numbers and a lot of celebrities are using it to communicate with their fans. And we have our politicians, who in their own little way, tell their constituents that they are doing their job. Good!

In the past weeks, I was able to see Senator Mar Roxas’ twitter account. Since most of my followers are Pinoys, I did tell them about Mar. I received messages saying that he doesn’t even respond or takes days before responding. And some assumed that PR people are the one behind the account. Possible? Here’s the reply of our beloved Senator.

Sometimes? Whoever is behind the account, please, let the Senator Tweet. I think the excuse of having no time will be a little bit ridiculous don’t you think? And does that mean no time to be authentic with your followers or constituents?

I have seen many top notch people with Twitter account and they are the one who is really behind the account. They give time, they engage, they listen to people. And these people are far busier than a local Senator. How hard is it to be authentic? Remember, to open a social media channel means to listen. Guys, you are PR people, you should know this.

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Tagged as: mar roxas, Public Relations, Social Media Tips, Twitter

Mia Sumulong

Hi.

I kinda agree with what you're saying. Although, isn't it good enough that for the first time in our history that these politicians are able to generate a correspondence with their supporters?

It is sad that some of these accounts are not personally attended to. However, we are now linked to the movement and we are able to participate in our own way. Fine, we do not receive the attention that we expected to get but at least we know what's happening. We are aware of these things and it's up to us on how to handle it. With regard to the Mar Roxas account, it is disappointing.

In the Philippines, we already know how some politicians work. Usually, they are the masterminds behind every project we see with our own eyes but it is the staff who branch out and actually make things happen for them. This is how organizations work. Like a human body, they assign people who become the brain, the eyes, the ears, the lips, the arms and the legs.

So yeah, these are just my opinions. I don't even know if it makes sense. It doesn't matter if you agree or not, I have learned to accept and deal with the fact that everyone lives up to their own beliefs and judgement. :)
elmot

i think mar is not the one personally behind that acct...in most cases eh, politicians has staff assigned to do all these things for them.

and for that reason, it indeed sucks!
Jena Isle

Rob,

Thanks for the links. All the best!
Jena Isle

The senator should find time to do it himself, or it would be useless. Finding time to "listen" to his supposed to be constituents should be one of his priorities, or even his no. 1 priority.

As the say, " Vox populi, vox Dei."

Have a pleasant week!
Rob Angeles

Agree! And like what Gilbert Chan said in his tweets, how much effort does it take for them to reply or at the very least post a quick note re: their activities?