Emerging tech and politics -- More than just yakking

[Commentary] Unless you're involved in the app world, work with students or are a student yourself, chances are you don't know about the app Yik Yak that allows users in the same geographic area to post anonymous notes. And, without a doubt, Sen Ted Cruz's (R-TX) campaign team didn't know about it until students at Liberty University, forced to attend his campaign launch, started mercilessly bashing him using the app while he was speaking. It's the 21st-century version of passing rude notes during an assembly -- but on a larger scale, and with a public audience. Despite getting over $60 million in investments, Yik Yak only became known to most political offices and campaigns, because of Sen Cruz. And, without a doubt, consultants and advisers, today, are all talking about how they can leverage Yik Yak and avoid a fate similar to the Cruz campaign. As with other apps and tools, like Facebook, Twitter, Vine and others, some candidates and public officials will get it right, and some will get it very, very wrong. Not just with Yik Yak, but with a large number of other apps that you might not have heard of yet -- but will.

And that's what makes technology so thrilling in politics. It's clear these are all tools that campaigns and politicians can plug into -- but there's no user guide, yet, that lays out the best way for those in politics to use emerging tech. My suggestion for them: When confronted with the challenge of how to handle new social media tools, follow Trippi's advice -- let go of the wheel. Embrace the new technology that is connecting us to each other and amplifying voices. Respect how people are using those tools. Become a part of their conversation, but don't try to dominate it. That's not just good for politicians and campaigns. Ultimately, that's good for our government.

[Bart Myers is the CEO of Countable.us, a legislative advocacy and congressional engagement app]