Shankar Rajendran on How New York City Does Social Media Right

The quickest way that news spreads these days is through social media. New York City, one of the busiest and most connected cities on the planet, has embraced this idea to the fullest. The Mayor’s Office, as well as almost every commission, board, department, and service have their own set of social media accounts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, YouTube, and Flickr. In fact, according to the official New York City website, there are 345 social media accounts currently in use by the city!

Shankar Rajendran, a local social media marketing specialist, states that while the sheer number of accounts is impressive, it’s even more impressive that these accounts are used on a regular basis. You’d be hard-pressed to find an official city account that hasn’t been updated in the last 24 hours. All are in use and most have a substantial following from New York residents.

New York’s social media system has allowed for new forms of interaction between the citizens and their city, changing the way New Yorkers go about their daily lives. Below, Shankar Rajendran outlines how New York City is ahead of the game when it comes to social media:

Faster Spread of Information

News and announcements are spread faster now than ever before. Events and general pieces of information are Tweeted and posted on Facebook, Instagram, and elsewhere. This information is then liked, shared, and re-posted by social media users and seen by vast numbers of New Yorkers, all within an extremely short period of time. Everything happens fast in New York City so it stands to reason that the spread of information should be fast there too.

New Avenues for Resolving Issues

Notice a collection of garbage regularly building up on a specific street? A large pothole on your way to work? It’s now easier than ever to let the city know about problems in your neighborhood or around the city. A Tweet to the Department of Sanitation will get that garbage cleaned up and a Facebook message to the Department of Transportation can fill that pothole.

Where before citizens had to call the city to be transferred to the correct department, then likely be placed on hold, they can now easily and publicly share their grievances. Not only is sending a Tweet far easier and faster than making a phone call, it allows for the opportunity for other people to jump on the bandwagon and show their support. Citizens can show that they agree with a complaint by Retweeting, liking, sharing, or commenting on your social media posts. You can bet that the more attention your social media post gets, the faster the issue will be resolved.

Faster Emergency Responses

One of the biggest advantages of having a city that is interconnected through social media is the way in which emergency situations are dealt with. The city and its many departments are so interwoven with the public that when emergency situations do occur, reactions are swift, and people know to stay clear of affected areas.

Just a few weeks ago a steam pipe explosion occurred in the Flatiron District and the city was quick to report the incident through social media and warn people to avoid the area. In an age where mass shootings are becoming frighteningly more common, it’s essential that city officials and law enforcement are active on social media to inform citizens and keep them out of harm’s way. Having 345 active social media accounts through which emergency messages can be broadcasted means that greater portions of the city’s population can stay abreast of emergency situations.

One would have a difficult time finding a city as interconnected and as unified as New York City. While much of this is do to culture, shared experiences, history, and mentality, the role of social media in the last few years cannot be understated.