Listening is not one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of social media, most of us view it as a tool to connect with people we know, or to meet new people. The concept of listening via social media has evolved over time. When used correctly information can be garnered in real time from digital platforms and used to inform policy.
The diplomatic arm of the UK government (The Foreign and Commonwealth Office) has very visible social media platforms. Currently there are over 120 Twitter channels, over 120 Facebook pages, numerous digital channels, with 6 government ministers and over 30 Ambassadors tweeting personally.
There are also several developmental avenues to ensure the network keeps up with this rapidly changing phenomenon. In April for example, 35 web editors and communications officers from the FCO’s expansive network, got together for the Americas Digital Conference in Miami. The aim was to share best practices and discuss how to capitalize on the growing strength of social media as an effective tool for sharing information.
It is amazing the amount of talk on social media on a daily basis. Facebook for example, now has over 1 billion active users per month. That is more than the total populations of the English speaking Caribbean combined!
Not to be left behind, Jamaica is growing in terms of internet access and social media presence. Recent statistics suggests there may be over 677,020 Jamaicans on Facebook. This out of a population of a little less than 3 million. Twitter is growing rapidly in Jamaica and is becoming a popular tool of communication and discussion of issues affecting the country. We currently use the @UKinCaribbean twitter account to connect with our Jamaican audience on twitter.
In line with those numbers, Facebook is the tool we use most at the High Commission in Jamaica. With 2012 being a GREAT year for Britain we were able to use the page to reach out and connect with a wide audience using the 2012 Olympics, Jamaica’s 50th anniversary and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Not only were we able to engage with these people on our page but we were able to involve them in some of our activities. There are currently 5391 persons on the UK in Jamaica Facebook page.
Given my responsibilities for social media at the High Commission, I use Twitter, Linkedin , Facebook and our web page daily. I am addicted to information and these platforms allow me to read widely, stay on top of the latest news, and to listen closely to what the public is saying about the work we do in Jamaica.
Our daily real time conversations with our followers, provide insight into how we may improve the relationship with the public we serve.
Listening is one of the most important things we can do online. If we are only presenting own our views, it isn’t truly engaging in a conversation.