The role of social networks in public communication of state institutions has been constantly increasing in recent years. The presence, activity, and relevance of social networks are the markers of an institution’s transparency, accountability, responsibility, and concern for its audience.
With the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the use of social networks to reach relevant information has increased dramatically. According to the data of Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (a survey of May 3–26, 2022, ordered by OPORA), in the first months after 24 February 2022, social networks became the most popular source of information: 76.6% of Ukrainians use them to receive news.
A survey of the International Republican Institute (conducted within the framework of the USAID Rada: Next Generation Program; data for October 2022) showed that two-thirds of Ukrainians (65%) use social networks to learn about Ukraine’s Parliament activity. For example, central television and online media have become less popular sources of information: only 54% and 21% of respondents use them correspondingly.
The aforementioned indicates a high demand for obtaining information in the shortest timeframes, however, it is accompanied by certain threats. Among them, the largest threat is the spread of unverified and fake information. That is why the state bodies, in particular the Verkhovna Rada’s specialized committees, play an important role as an operational and, at the same time, a verified source of information.
Therefore, the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program, within the scope of its cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada’s Committees, analyzed the social networks of the Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development and provided recommendations for improving the effectiveness of its communication. You may download the report from this page.
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