An Examination of State Legislator Use of Communication Technologies: Differences Between the Frequency of Use and Importance of Mature and Internet Enabled Technologies

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dr . Joe F. West, Assistant Professor and MPA Director (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library

Abstract: This paper explores the relationships between state legislators and communication technology (CT). A United States wide survey sent to all 7,3831 state legislators examines the frequency of use and importance of CTs commonly used by state legislators. Among other variables examined, this study compares the frequency of use and importance of evolutionarily mature CTs such as face-to-face meetings, handwritten letters, and phone conversations and Internet enabled CTs (IECTs) such as E-Mail, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, web pages, Blogs, and text messaging. Additionally, this study examines the impact of minority political party status on CT frequency of use and importance. Among other findings, this study uncovers evidence that minority status increases both CT frequency of use and importance and that while Internet enabled CTs are frequently used, state legislators place significantly more importance on traditional (mature CTs) than IECTs.

Additional Information

Publication
2016 Midwest Political Science Association Conference
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
State Legislators, Politicians, Legislator Behavior, Communication Technology, Communication Technology Frequency of Use, Minority Parties

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