Noteboom The Law Firm

Critics Attack VA’s Use Of Social Media

March 31, 2011 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has spent a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort establishing a strong online presence over the last couple of years. Despite those efforts, which have spanned multiple social media outlets, critics contend the VA is not doing enough in those platforms to connect with veterans.

The VA's presence on such websites as Facebook and Twitter is well-established. Additionally, the VAntage Point blog is coming out in support of the efforts the VA has made to not only create an online presence, but to create online, interactive environments for veterans. Still, criticism is strong against what the VA has attempted to accomplish. One of the main criticisms is although the VA owns a Facebook page, they are not actively maintaining the page, meaning although they are attracting veterans to their page, they are not there to meet the veterans when they arrive.

The VA responds to this criticism by pointing out not only has the VA built up an impressive online presence, they continually strengthen their online position. The VA maintains 87 Facebook pages with almost 220,000 fans. The VA also engineers 51 Twitter feeds with a combined 35,000 followers. The VA maintains so many accounts so they are able to get relevant information to as many veterans as possible at the most appropriate time. This is how the VA uses their online presence to improve veterans' lives.