A critical discourse anaylsis: Social media, framing issues, and education reform in Hawaii state government

This study examined the role of framing in issues related to education reform by the Hawaii state government and how social media plays a role in the dissemination of information pertaining to this issue. The literature review examined the theoretical basses of an open and transparent government and the various frames that elected and government officials may use in the dissemination of information. Chong and Druckman's (2007) and Druckman's (2011) work on framing set the basis for this research. Gamson and Modigliani (1987) work on frames in communications also contributed to the preliminary stages of this research project.;Using critical discourse analysis, this study carefully reviewed and analyzed the public dissemination of information pertaining to Governor Neil Abercrombie's policies on public education for the period of 2011 to 2012. Further, this study analyzed the role of social media in the dissemination of such information. This research revealed elements of framing and the large absence of the use of social media in what was considered a fairly contentious issue. It is widely documented by various researchers (Vishwanathan, Kaufmann, and Nath) that openness and information sharing by the government facilitates in the public's ability to make an informed decision about issues that affect them and that social media can help facilitate such engagement. Much like the advent of the radio and thereafter television, social media has enhanced and altered the means of interpersonal and mass communication. Social media has become a widely used communications medium for the public to become informed. And when government fails to properly educate the public, including via the use of social media, it fails in its responsibility to help the public make an informed decision. What are the implications related to transparency and the hopes regarding social media to communicate about government actions and inform voters?...