Findings
Preferred technologies and longevity of use
Social networking is the most highly utilized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among the parliamentarians surveyed, with 95% using social networking tools (39 out of 41 respondents). Of the remaining two respondents, one plans to use social networks in the future. Social networking is viewed as either “very positive” or “somewhat positive” by 93% of those surveyed.
Email is a highly utilized tool by the parliamentarians surveyed. Eighty-eight percent of respondents report currently using email and 61% having used it for more than three years. Of the 12% that report not currently using email, 5% (two parliamentarians) have no plans to use it in the future. Email is overwhelmingly regarded as a very positive tool, with 90% of parliamentarians rating it as either “very positive” or “somewhat positive.”
Other ICTS are used and favourably rated by the majority of respondents, particularly texting, uploading photographs and videos, and party websites. Internet discussion forums and email newsletters receive the lowest rating and least usage apart from blogs.
Blogs are the digital tools least utilized by the survey respondents. Only 27% currently have a blog and only 32% rate blogs as “very positive.” Blogs are the tool most frequently tried and then discontinued. As 37% of respondents left this answer blank, it is also possible that blogs are not viewed as a relevant method of communication with constituents.
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