Military and Social Networks

The article mentions how U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Northern Command have started using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and MySpace to reach out to the public. The Military references the fact that these sites have now become a primary source of information for many individuals who do not read or watch the news daily. Reaching out through these sites allows the public to have more of a direct connection to the armed forces that are protecting them. Further, a NORAD and Northern Command spokesperson said that these sites would offer a valuable alternative to distribute information during major disasters (such as location of water trucks), recalling how cell phones and blackberries did not work during hurricane Katrina.

The direct channel that these sites offer for the public to reach the armed forces has great implications. As much as it is for the public to gain information about the armed forces, it allows the public to voice their sentiments regarding the Military as well (good and bad). Military spokespeople say that being able to address these sentiments directly through these sites will allow the armed forces to connect more with the public, hopefully causing a more unified feeling.

link:
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_social_networking_021309/