Space Mixing and Virtual Worlds in the Public Sector

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/08/04/marines.social.media.ban/index.html

The article ‘Marines ban Twitter, Facebook, other sites” by Noah Shachtman, presents an interesting dilemma in the use of social media. The Marine Corps issued an order banning the use of Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites from its network because they present a great security risk, due to the possibility of malicious code from adversaries. Such actions meet with surprise as commanders regularly blog updates from the battlefield, and the Department of Defense is launching a new home page with interactive social media tools. As such, certain waivers will be issued if there is a “mission critical” need for the use of social media.

Social media use on the battlefield is a great example of the mixing of personal, professional, and private spaces. Marines use Facebook to connect with family members and maintain continuity while they are overseas. This personal medium is a lifeline for many marines, though as referenced in the article, can be a medium for hackers to infiltrate and access sensitive information. By blogging about important troop and resource information, commanders are vulnerable to outside enemy actions in accessing confidential military tactics.

I do not think social media planners ever anticipated this basic communication would become a dangerous method of warfare. These private spaces affect professional conduct, and personal correspondence can indicate location, troop activity, and other sensitive information. I believe the Marine Corps has a responsibility to adhere to this order at all costs, with the exception of use in rare occasions. If lives are at risk, the use of social media should not be encouraged. Fortunately, this mix of personal and private spaces is not as detrimental in civilian life.

Use of Virtual Worlds

Public administrators encounter diverse issues and challenges as they attempt to create public value in their service and operations. Given the transparent mentality of public agencies, public administrators have a responsibility to connect with citizens, and inform of new policies and proposals. Given this recent social media revolution, officials and department heads need to understand how their local constituents interact, and participate accordingly. One important medium is the utilization of virtual worlds, such as Second Life or Warcraft, to create a sense of community with others. Although unique, virtual worlds create additional challenges to public administrators as they operate to understand political, social, and economic viewpoints.

Traditional city council meetings no longer elicit much participation from citizens. Although important information is discussed, many local citizens feel more confident offering their opinions via social media sites as opposed to in person. This creates a problem for elected officials because they need to address every facet of an issue or ordinance, and if there is no interaction with the public, no response will be given until something negative impacts an individual. Demographics are also an important consideration in the communication problem as not everyone has access to the internet or other communication mediums. As such, what methods should elected officials devote time and effort to utilizing?

Social media is currently playing an important role in local government by shaping how officials interact and publicize their ideas. Many council meetings are televised, and minutes are updated on municipality websites. Officials have Twitter accounts, and update ideas and reactions from meetings almost instantly. Councilmembers also have Facebook accounts where they post pictures, interesting links, and events in which they are involved. City websites are posting links to new social media features, and their sites in general are becoming more user-friendly. As such, officials are attempting to appeal to a large demographic base through new technology.

The use of virtual worlds in connecting with citizens is a new and largely unfamiliar social method. This approach should be useful as access to this source is becoming more available. In referencing chapter 7 of Code 2.0, Lessig discusses constraints of law, norms, market, and architecture, and their presence as regulation tools on the use of virtual worlds in public sector communication. Internet and program laws regulate how much sensitive public information can be disseminated through a virtual world. Social norms create a stigma of virtual worlds that they are used only by intense gamers, not every day citizens. As such, norms govern how people may behave on the site. Market plays an important role in that Second Life and other sites govern access and charge for certain functions of participation. The site itself is designed through its architecture to guide people to certain places and forums, thus facilitating possible interaction between officials and citizens.

With these regulations influencing the use of virtual worlds, elected officials can create public forums where citizens will be more likely to contribute. This can be used as an interactive, real-time blog, where everyone is welcome, regardless of his or her demographic situation. Problems may arise as to validity of information and issues of reality in the political process. Regardless of those challenges, officials can foster an environment of collaboration, assuming security measures are in place. Virtual worlds create opportunities for developing a community spirit, and users will benefit from free interaction.