Fall 2017 issue of Horizons

INDUSTRY UPDATE PUBLIC SECTOR

How Technology has Changed Government by Cheryl Wallace, CPA

A s it relates to government, disruptive technology can provide opportunities and challenges. The question is how can governments embrace today’s most disruptive technologies? Social Media Social media has changed the way we communicate as a society. Social media is now the voice of the public and the outlet for all of its opinions. In 2016, a government entity used Twitter to reach the public regarding evacuation and response items, while another utilized Facebook. In turn, citizens utilized social media to ask questions and receive answers from government authorities.

Social media is also a way governmental entities can vet programs and policy changes with its citizens, receiving real-time feedback. Governments can take polls, ask survey questions, engage in tweeting or access another form of social media to engage with its constituents. By using social media, government entities become more transparent with their communication. In turn, this becomes a great way to earn trust with the citizens. Boards, city councils and county commissioners can continue to convene and hold public hearings. Governing bodies can choose how to use social media as a way to reach out to its citizens.

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