HONOLULU- With most political offices in Hawaii up for grabs in 2012, there's no doubt Twitter and Facebook will play a significant role in the elections. But as the nation has watched the reputation of rising democratic star Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York spiral downward with the release or risqué photos through his Twitter account, the politics of social media is a double edged sword.
Communications expert Barbra Pleadwell says while most political figures would never send lewd photos of themselves over the internet, even a simple message written in haste can do serious damage.
“What we are advising our clients, especially those who are high profile and in political races, is that you really need to establish guidelines, you really need to practice discernment.”
Rep. Weiner was forced to apologize for his online transgressions in an emotional press conference June 6 after denying for days he had sent explicit photos of himself to six different women.
Politicians who embraced social media early on are well aware of the advantages and pitfalls the platform provides.
“Even with private posts you have to be careful because once they're out there who knows where else they may go,” says state Sen. Will Espero, a West Oahu democrat.
Pleadwell says it’s important for politicians, executives and business firms to take charge of their social media accounts and lay down strict rules and guidelines about what type of message is being sent or communicated.
“It's really a problem when you are not truly aware of the tone and the content of what is being distributed via social media,” she says. “You can find yourself in some really ridiculous situations.”
However Pleadwell cautions social media may not be right for every politician or business enterprise.
“It's more important to use it well than to just use it. We're finding that some businesses and some personalities don't go well with social media and so it's not necessarily a must.”
Still, the power of social media is undeniable. In recent months Facebook and Twitter have been cited as the kindling that sparked revolts in North Africa and the Middle East.
Here in Hawaii perhaps no one has more reach into cyberspace than Mufi Hannemann, the former mayor of Honolulu who mounted and unsuccessful run for governor in 2010. Hannmann has more than 575,000 Twitter followers and has reached the limit of 5,000 Facebook friends, something he attributes to the affinity for all things Hawaii and the upbeat messages he often posts.
“It's all about attracting people here and winning friends for Hawaii,” said Hannemann, who is now president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association.
While the former mayor has not decided on a run for the U.S. House or Senate in 2012, if he does take the plunge he says social media will play a role - a very careful and measured role.
“My mother always said be careful what you put down on paper and you know what, that’s true. In life sometimes you've gotta take a deep breathe or two when you're very emotional about something.”
Espero believes the reach of Facebook and Twitter has expanded so quickly it behooves Hawaii’s public schools to take a closer look at its impacts on children.
"I even believe the Board of Education should seriously be looking at a mandatory class or instruction time that educates our children on the positives and the negatives of the internet,” said the state senator.
Pleadwell notes there are several online resources such as Stop, Think, Connect or Stay Safe Online that parents, children and even politicians should take the time to review.
“That mantra stop, think, before you connect is really vital,” she said. “With a click of a button you can do irreparable damage to your reputation, to your employer, to the people you care about and we're seeing some of that on the national landscape.”
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