Articles by Chelsea Johnson

The emergence of social media has heightened the influence of the Internet in our communities. Users of social media have eagerly taken advantage of opportunities to share their personal information on any applicable site -- from Facebook, to Twitter, to Foursquare. Our ability to constantly share photos, videos, and ideas has synthesized a dynamic setting for immediate communication. The influence of social media has long been recognized by law enforcement agencies, with many departments alread...

Currently, Tumblr hosts 125.7 million blogs. Tumblr's micro-blogging format allows users to post text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos easily from a computer or smartphone. While Tumblr appeals largely to a younger audience, politicians and political groups have been increasingly using the platform to share information in a coherent, clever, and thought-provoking manner. Here are 5 of the top political Tumblr blogs that effectively use the features unique to Tumblr for political purpos...

As part of our effort to report on social media trends, tools, and technology, we will be periodically recognizing politicians, candidates, and political organizations who are utilizing social media in effective and creative ways. Quote:social media to converse with me This week we recognize US Senator Angus King for our social spotlight. Sen. Angus Stanley King, Jr., former two year Governor of Maine, began his avid involvement in social media in 2012 to promote his policies and political ind...

Tomislav Konestabo / Shutterstock.com Recently, citizens have recognized the degree to which the government encroaches on our personal lives, specifically on the Internet. In fact, many people are rallying for Congress to update the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which prevents the government from intercepting transmissions of electronic data by computer. In an attempt to protect personal information from being shared without consent, these individuals are pushing for boundaries ...

In our increasingly technological society, most people rely on social media, rather than the traditional news outlets like television and newspapers, to stay informed about the world around them.  In response to the prevailing social media hype, the government has expanded its presence in the cyber world. In addition to using social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to track public opinion, the government has applied social media to accomplish a few of its unique goals. Here are 5 innovativ...

As part of our effort to report on social media trends, tools, and technology, we will be periodically recognizing politicians, candidates, and political organizations who are utilizing social media in effective and creative ways. Sen. Mark Warner Name: Senator Mark Warner Facebook: 21,182 Twitter: 40,023 Quote: “Unlike traditional town halls and telephone town halls, this online conversation will allow Virginians to submit their comments and questions over several days, and it will allow ...