Staff Survey Shows Congress Following Their Social Media Feeds for Citizen Input

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new survey of congressional staff shows that a relatively few number of constituents can get through to their Members of Congress on social media, possibly influencing lawmakers’ decision-making. A new report from the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) indicates 80% of staff surveyed said 30 or fewer responses to their social media posts are enough to get the office to “pay attention.” But the survey also indicates that staff tend to review only those reactions posted within the first 24 hours.

Link to Report Overview :http://www.congressfoundation.org/social-congress-2015

The report, #SocialCongress 2015, released today was based on a CMF survey of House and Senate Communications Directors, Legislative Directors, and Legislative Assistants conducted in 2014. “The authenticity of a tweet or Facebook post, whether by a citizen or lawmaker, has the inescapable power to change minds,” said Bradford Fitch, President & CEO of CMF and co-author of the report. “This report shows a glimpse at how that process happens. It opens a window into the perceptions and motivations of how social media influences public policy decisions on Capitol Hill,” he said.  

Among other key findings:

•  76% of the respondents agreed that “social media enabled us to have more meaningful interactions with constituents;”
• 70% agreed that “social media have made Members/Senators more accountable to constituents;”
•  71% said social media comments directed to the Member/Senator by “multiple constituents affiliated with a specific group or cause” would have “some” or “a lot” of influence on an undecided lawmaker.

The report suggests that the data might even dispel some myths citizens seem to have about the responsiveness of elected officials. “Despite overwhelming cynicism as to whether Congress listens to citizens, these findings support previous CMF research indicating that constituents can have an impact on lawmakers’ decisions.”

Founded in 1977, CMF is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to helping Congress and its Members meet the evolving needs and expectations of an engaged and informed 21st century citizenry. Its work focuses on improving congressional operations and enhancing citizen engagement through research, publications, training, and management services. The report was sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, DCI Group and VoterVoice.

Link to Report Overview: http://www.congressfoundation.org/social-congress-2015