Social media has become an integral part of the political landscape in Washington DC. From government resources such as maps, Wi-Fi access, and mobile applications, to connecting with the District government through social media sites, the role of social media in politics is undeniable. Research has revealed that those who talk about politics on a regular basis are more likely to use social media for civic or political purposes. This is especially true for those with strong partisan and ideological ties to liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.
Social media can be used to educate the public about government work and services, promote cooperation between all governments, and connect internal audiences that are traditionally geographically dispersed. It also puts a face on a bureaucratic federal agency, expanding the government's outreach capabilities. The potential of new media to improve people's access to political information, facilitate broader political discourse and encourage participation has been widely discussed. Political divisions are reflected in the presence of “echo chambers” in the media, where people select their sources of news and information based on their affinity with the policies of other users. Younger users are more likely to post their own ideas on issues, post links to political material, encourage others to take political action, belong to a political group on a social network, follow elected officials on social media, and like or promote political material that others have posted. The causal model presented in the article proposes that social media platforms are used by three types of actors: the national opposition, external forces and the governing regime for political purposes.
These actors use social networks for political purposes in an effort to influence a state's political system. New political media are forms of communication that facilitate the production, dissemination and exchange of political content on platforms and networks that allow interaction and collaboration. In conclusion, it is clear that social media plays an important role in Washington DC politics. From providing access to government resources to connecting with elected officials, social media has become an essential tool for engaging with politics. It has also enabled citizens to become more involved in the political process by providing them with access to information and encouraging them to take action.
