Legislatures want to friend you.

• Author: Greenberg, Pam
• Position: STATESTATS

Ten years ago, only about half of Americans went online regularly. Today, more than 80 percent do, and an increasing number are logging on to learn about politics, sign up for government services, and connect with legislators. Around 68 percent of Americans have broadband at home, and 46 percent have wireless devices. Both allow them to view interactive Web pages or watch live webcasts or videos, including those from their state capitol.

Every legislature offers some level of live audio or video streaming. Forty-one states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., offer video webcasts of floor proceedings. At least 33 states post videos on YouTube or Vimeo, and about 31 states and D.C. offer live viewing of all or select committee hearings. Legislatures in at least half the states have developed mobile apps or adapted websites to fit smartphones and tablet formats.

As legislatures strive to reach citizens "where they're at," they increasingly are turning to social networks, where about 40 percent of Americans have participated in some kind of civic or political activity. This could be posting a political view, inviting friends to act, following candidates, "liking" and linking to others' content, or joining a political group. Legislative caucuses, offices and committees in 49 states use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other sites. Two years ago, a third of legislators had Facebook profiles; by now, that's likely to be even higher.

What is Social Media?

Definition Social media includes the various electronic communication tools--text, audio video, images, podcasts--people use to share...