Happy birthday Twitter - how has Jersey coped with the rise of online commentary?

Today, the social networking app celebrates its ninth birthday after becoming a well-established player in the digital world.

Over the years it has been used to publish breaking news, provide rare pictures of one-off events and given people a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the ordinary lives of celebrities.

Of course it has also provided the man in the street a platform to air his views or show us pictures of his morning porridge.

But how has Jersey coped with the rise of online commentary?

States Members join the digital revolution

THE use of Twitter varies wildly in the States Chamber, with some members embracing the app and others leaving it well alone.

Several years after the introduction of the social networking app in 2006, when it had gained widespread popularity, States Members began testing the waters while the Assembly was in session.

Unashamed prolific tweeter Senator Philip Ozouf sparked a meeting to discuss use of the app during sittings when he began tweeting from the Chamber in 2011.

The States Privileges and Procedures Committee went on to approve the use of mobile devices and twitter at sittings.

Now, debates can be followed as reported by politicians online.

Twitter is taken into touch

IN 2013 Jersey Rugby Club broadcast a match for the first time via Twitter, inviting followers to watch along online.

The video was added to the @rfuchampionship Twitter page and towards the end of the game fans were invited to case their votes for the man of the match also via the social networking site.

Chief Minister supports Twitter

LAST year Chief Minister Ian Gorst urged his fellow public servants to embrace social media in order to engage with their constituents.

After creating an account he called on his colleagues to do the same.

While speaking in the States about Twitter Senator Lyndon Farnham asked whether Senator Gorst’s account was working properly as he had posted that he was ‘looking forward to a day in the States’.

A political gaff

THERE is no shortage of examples of how politicians have fallen foul of generally accepted Twitter use.

And last year in the Island then Deputy Nick Le Cornu, who had not long been a States Member, was expelled from Reform Jersey after posting a tweet widely understood to suggest that a fellow States Member had been faking her struggle with cancer.

He later said the tweet had been unacceptable and apologised unreservedly.

Senator Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) – a champion of Twitter and a prolific online commentator, he was the first States Member to embrace the social networking app.
Oscar Puffin (@OscarPuffin) – a favourite for many Islanders who enjoy Oscar’s cheeky comments and observations.
Binky Bowles Balls (@TheOnlyGuru) – a prolific tweeter who fires off well-observed and often funny one-liners.
Stuart Syvret (@StuartSyvret) – former politician who tweets about Island issues and campaigns.
Jersey Police Dogs (@JerseyPoliceDog) – the account you need to keep up with the States police canine unit. Fun, with some good pictures.
Emergency services (@JerseyPolice, @JsyFire, @JerseyCoastgua1) – essential for updates about public safety alerts.
CI Weather Warnings (@Jersey_MetCI) – keep up to date with news about what weather is on the way.

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