Accountability Through Social Media

So the big thing in Canadian politics right now (ok so there is a couple big issues, our politics SUCK right now) is accountability. Our current government was elected basically on a platform of accountability after scandals pushed out the old government. Unfortunately for many (and unnoticed by others) this government has not only turned their backs on their promises but they have, to some, been the worst offenders of non-accountability in the history of Canadian politics. Now this post is not meant to spark debate on the Harper government and it’s tarnishing effect it’s had on the Canadian image, but rather on how interested Canadians can help to change things. That said I am always interested to hear what people have to say on any topic politically related.

We are living in an era where the individual has unprecedented opportunity to speak out and be heard. I have recently watched a TED video on The next age of government where he highlights this fact and how it can help to shape politics. No longer do the big bureaucratic governments have complete control over the message, so why do we let them. People are gravitating away from the large news organizations to the internet in order to get their news. Which means they can find out what they want on whatever topic they are interested in, not just what a few want them to see or think will be profitable.

We can use this to help push political agendas in the favor of the people. Like sites that track crime rates across a particular city. This can then educate the public and give them a tool to use and engage their city council in order to help push change in their city. There are also sites that track government spending in certain countries. Imagine the level of accountability you could hold your government to if you could see every cent they spend in real time. And you could go beyond these things and start tracking cities and countries that are implementing things that interest you and you think are vital, build a community around this and drive change in your own governments.

We no longer have to site idly by and hope that someone influential will come by and push our cause. With the right determination and the knowledge of the social media tools that are out their we can all build communities around what we are passionate about. It is hard work but we can begin to change the face of politics in our country and build nations truly controlled by the people for the people and not just one party’s interests. Utopian? Maybe, there will always be debates because not everyone will agree on everything but lets put those debates, and education (not political spin) in the hands of the people so government truly has to listen to the majority.

This is the power of the new social media revolution, and it does not just apply to politics it applies to everything. So if you have an opinion that you feel strongly about, or are passionate about something and want to push it out there, start to build a community around it and you’d be amazed by what one person can start / achieve in this new world!

Just my opinion…

EDIT: I was also thinking today that these same principles could be used to create a community around consumer happiness. Although there are sites out there that track how much consumers are happy with products and they can give reviews, there doesn’t seem to be one with huge reach. It would be interesting to see if someone could create a big enough community with this in mind that would utilize all social media tools available so that people who are unsatisfied with a product or customer service can hold that company truly accountable. This would help to force companies slow to move on becoming more transparent, open up and acknowledge it’s customers or fall.