6.13

Local Governments, Social Media and Digital Democracy

Social media has been hailed as a way to promote people's active engagement in what has been called digital democracy (or e-democracy or e-government). Activities consider how technology might revolutionize and revitalize democracy, starting with how your local government uses social media and how might it can be used more effectively and democratically.

"All politics is local," the former Speaker of the House, Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. famously remarked, suggesting that people are intensely interested in the political matters they believe directly affect themselves, their families, and their communities. It follows from O'Neill's statement that much of what is political locally involves the policies and actions of local governments.

To build greater political engagement among people, cities and towns across the country are using social media to bring the local government to the people. For example, on social media, some communities livestream mayor, council, and select board meetings, send online memes, greetings, messages, and reminders to local individuals and groups, respond to people's requests for information and services, promote programs and initiatives by city and town departments, and notify everyone about natural disasters, impending weather, and other emergencies (The Truth about Local Government and Social Media, CivicPlus, 2020).

Town of Amherst facebook post that says reminder indoor mask mandate takes effect on Wednesday 8/18 at 8am. Image that says hello, welcome back. we're so glad to see you. please be considerate of others to keep Amherst safe and healthy. Image of a person wearing a mask.
Town of Amherst, MA Facebook post about a COVID-19 mask mandate (August 2021)

In theory, the widespread online access of digital democracy will give everyone more opportunities to express their views and influence public policy decisions. The record to date has been far less than that, as one researcher noted how to date, "democratic institutions have witnessed no digital revolution through the Internet" (Bastick, 2017, p. 3).

Still, how might social media and digital technology revolutionize and revitalize democratic participation among people?

Activity: Review and Improve Your Local Town Government's Use of Social Media

Examine social media posts from your local city or town government over a period of 2-3 weeks.

Additional Resources

Connecting to the Standards

  • Massachusetts Civics & Government Standards
    • Explain the major components of local government in Massachusetts. (Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Studies) [8.T6.10]
  • ISTE Standards
    • Knowledge Constructor
      • 3b: Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
      • 3d: Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.
    • Creative Communicator
      • 6a: Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.
      • 6b: Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
      • 6d: Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for the intended audiences.
  • DLCS Standards
    • Interpersonal and Societal Impact (CAS.c)
    • Collaboration and Communication (DTC.b)
    • Research (DTC.c)
  • English Language Arts > History/Social Studies Common Core Standards
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.4
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7

This content is provided to you freely by Equity Press.

Access it online or download it at https://equitypress.org/mediaandciviclearning/localgov_social_media.