Social networking has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, a technological testimony to the new generation’s “need-to-know-it-now” philosophy. But this trend is no longer only for the young and restless. Businesses and cities across the nation have decided to take advantage of the information messaging power these networks harbor.

One city in particular is Manvel, which has recently added a Twitter account within their information technology department. The 140 max character text-based updates allow the city to keep citizens and residents better informed of city news, road closings and public safety. Posting each Tweet takes mere seconds and allows people to remain constantly updated on community events.

Pearland had also made moves to follow this trend, with their own Police Department steadfastly using Facebook and MySpace primarily to help recruit new officers.

“Just posting a flyer up in a police academy is just not able to reach as many people as we’d like,” said Pearland police Lt. Onesimo Lopez, who oversees the police department’s administrative services division. “By using the Internet, we’re able to reach thousands of people all across the country.”

“We’re aware that we’re in a technologically advanced society,” he continued. “We’re just trying to utilize some of that technology for our own benefit.”

Ethan Bell, the innovator of Manvel’s Twitter account, drew his inspiration from neighboring Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, which uses the network service to provide critical information to its residents, namely to alert people of emergencies like recent swine flu outbreak or an approaching hurricane.

The benefits of social networking within governmental networks are noteworthy, which may lead to more city departments creating their own Twitter or Facebook accounts.

“Anything that gives you an advantage or at least keeps you even with the competition is something that’s got to be a good thing,” said Pearland City Manager Bill Eisen.

Source: Houston Chronicle