Facebook empowers Page owners to politicize their posts
Facebook users may see more posts nudging them to contact lawmakers.
A recent update to the social network lets Page owners create individual posts that include a button for Facebook users to contact their local representatives.
The feature is available as an icon on the post to Page owners within certain categories, including non-profits and media organizations. Props to Ziad Ramley for noticing this:
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The "Contact Your Representative" feature was available to personal profiles earlier this year, as part of Facebook's release of "Town Hall" in March.
By adding Pages into the mix, it evidently expands the possibility of people seeing the feature. It also empowers these Page owners to be more politically engaged.
Here's how it works:
1. All Page owners and Facebook users can see the feature within the "Feeling or Thinking" activity section of the post composer unit.
2. Type "contacting."
3. Choose an elected representative.
4. Post, and it will include a "Contact" button.
Even though in the example I selected President Donald Trump, the person who sees the post and chooses to click on the button will be encouraged to contact their own representatives. Facebook will prompt you to determine who your local representatives are by entering your address.
Community, as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg would say.
Topics Facebook Social Media Politics
Kerry Flynn is a business reporter for Mashable covering the tech industry. She previously reported on social media companies, mobile apps and startups for International Business Times. She has also written for The Huffington Post, Forbes and Money magazine. Kerry studied environmental science and economics at Harvard College, where she led The Harvard Crimson's metro news and design teams and played mellophone in the Band. When not listening to startup pitches, she runs half-marathons, plays with puppies and pretends to like craft beer.
