While feds avoid social media, their agencies log on

Federal agencies increasingly are using Twitter to connect with the public, but government employees see less value in social media sites, according to a new study from National Journal Group.

The study, which looked at Washington insiders' media consumption habits, found that more than half of Capitol Hill staffers, federal executives and employees of corporations, lobbying firms, nonprofits and other private sector organizations view Twitter as "pointless babble." Nearly a third called the service a "passing fad." "There's so much buzz on Twitter -- nationally, it's Twitter this, Twitter that," said Bernadette Ryan-Leduc, director of research at National Journal Group, a division of Atlantic Media, Nextgov's parent company. "Yes, fine, great, if you want to reach the outside-the-Beltway audience. The people using Twitter inside the Beltway are those responsible for informing those outside the Beltway."