Policymaking Gone Viral: Changing the Velocity of Information in Congress.

In a political culture where the latest tweet can set off a political firestorm, lawmakers have adapted their communication strategies, and Twitter is just the latest platform prompting policymakers. This research considers the dynamics of congressional communication by tracing how changes in digital communication affect relationships. Dr. Russell pairs analysis of congressional social media data with archival material and first-person perspectives to better understand how Congress continues to adapt to a changing media environment.

Bio:
Dr. Annelise Russell is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Russell’s research interests include questions about how policymakers communicate their agendas and the role of the media, particularly social media, in the political process. Much of her research is on congressional decision-making and communication.