Happy Internet Geek Tuesday: #DigCitizen Profile of #WHSocial Alum Dr. Janet Johnson

Happy Internet Geek Tuesday!

Today I am sharing a Digital Citizenship (#DigCitizen) Project profile featuring Dr. Janet Johnson, a social media leader, I met while attending the White House Social (#WHSocial) for the State of the Union (#SOTUSocial) in January.

Meet Dr. Janet Johnson

1) Tell us who you are.

I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. I study social media and the political process. To learn more about me, visit my web site and blog. Connect with me on social media (see web sites below).

• http://twitter.com/janetnews
• http://instagram.com/janetnews
• www.facebook.com/jljohnson
• ww.linkedin.com/in/janetlynnjohnson

2) Why did you apply to participate in the #SOTUSocial?     

I applied to participate because I study social media and the political process. Also, my dissertation was about the 2008 campaign blogs.

3) Share one to five key moments you experienced while participating in the #SOTUSocial.   

•  I was standing in line for the U.S. Capitol tour the day before the #SOTUSocial and a young woman recognized me from Twitter. She was also attending the #SOTUSocial.
• I was sniffed by the First Family’s dogs Bo and Sunny. Right place, right time.
• Meeting Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer.
• Asking a question during the #SOTUChat.

4) What social media tools did you use to support your participation in the #SOTUSocial?    

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

5) After the #SOTUSocial, did you write or participate in any follow-up interviews for a blog, magazine, newspaper, radio station, or television station?

My university promoted my attendance to the #SOTUSocial. Click here to read article. I was also interviewed by WFAA Channel 8 in Dallas. They did a Skype interview about my experience.

6) Did you learn any lessons while participating in the #SOTUSocial?

• The White House is very strategic.
• The White House does not control the citizen’s messages.
• Everyone at the White House was very nice and shared a lot of information about their jobs.

7) What does digital citizenship mean to you?

No matter what political affiliation you are, you can participate and do it civilly. People tend to react instead of discuss issues over social media. We need to learn to listen and think before we type a message. Nothing will change if we are not forming effective messages that will actually help others understand our position. Civility is the key.

I am always engaged and monitoring social media and politics. I am writing a research article about the #SOTUSocial. I am also going to apply for more White House Socials. I feel as if it’s a great opportunity to learn how the White House functions and how government works. It’s fascinating!

9) Share several ways Americans can use their digital presence and online network to engage civically on a local, state, and/or national level. 

People can easily get involved. They can use hashtags of organizations, candidates or issues that they feel passionate about. Teach and learn through social media. Just don’t react and attack. Be a proactive citizen that contributes to the conversation–not stop it.