Kristie Kenney: Reaching out through social media

MANILA, Philippines – Social media is changing everything. It is a great tool for reaching out to people, but it should not be the only source of information, according to a high-ranking US diplomat.

These web- and mobile-based technologies are “a way for me talk to people I will never see in person” in order to know their views and “it helps me do my job,” said Kristie Kenney, former US ambassador to the Philippines and current ambassador to Thailand.

Kenney explained in a #TalkThursdays interview with Rappler CEO Maria Ressa that she has been using social media for years and now the US embassy in Bangkok is following her lead.

“It is changing everything because I hear from people what they like, what they don’t like, what the US government should be doing… it’s fascinating.”

Part of the job

Under her watch, half the embassy now tweets and is incorporating social media into its services so it can reach out to more people.

They even do Twitter interviews for visas, although these are not final yet, and Kenney makes sure her staff are always “authentic but appropriate.”

“How can i be a good ambassador if I don’t know what Americans think, and also what people where I live and work think?” she asked.

Limits

Kenney embraces social media, but acknowledges there are limits to what she can and should share.

“You have to rely on your own good judgement. When I am talking about myself or things I’m doing, I try to not infringe anyone’s privacy or talk about things that I’m not competent talking about.”

Kenney noted that some people rely on social media to reach out to her because they do not feel comfortable about expressing their opinions in person or would never have the opportunity to talk to someone like her.

That is why she takes the time to answer to as many tweets as possible, even from users who criticize her, as long as they are constructive statements.

Not the only source of info

The main danger about social media, according to the US ambassador to Thailand, is that more people are using it as their only source of information.

Anyone can write anything on Facebook or Twitter, but it may not be accurate.

“I have to be careful about that. Just because I see a report about something, I have to think twice before I post something. Is it accurate? Is it really happening?” she detailed.

Social media, Kenney said, “is a great vision into issues, but its not the end answer, and it cannot be mistaken for analysis.”

“It’s a snapshot, but its not a thoughtful analysis of an issue. That’s the line you have to draw. It’s a great connector, a great source of information, but it cannot be your only one.”

Optimistic about PH

Kenney, US ambassador to the Philippines from 2006 to 2009, said she is optimistic about the future of the country.

“The Filipino people has always been a huge asset. Filipinos are global, warm, energetic, hard-working, you see that everywhere in the world. They make a difference, and Filipinos always try to go the extra mile.”

Now from a distance, the American diplomat noted she sees more efforts in making the country better, especially when it comes to fighting corruption and promoting government transparency.

“I think that is being led from the top now, but I see citizens asking the right questions.” – Rappler.com