Putin says "Nyet" to Social Media

[mendeleyev]

On the heels of a ban of Opposition party advertising in many regions, now comes word that Vladimir Putin will not be a part of the social media revolution.

From today's Mendeleyev Journal:


"Nyet" (No) in Russian Cyrillic is нет, and that is exactly what Russia's Prime Minister and soon-to-be president has to say about social media. Unlike current Russian Federation President Dmitry Medvedev who has 2 blog sites and a Twitter account, Putin is barely computer literate according to many accounts.

So, when asked recently if he'd follow the lead of President Medvedev in using social media to connect daily with Russian citizens, Mr. Putin issued a clear and strong "nyet" in flatly refusing to open any accounts on popular social networks. According to spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Putin "rarely uses the Internet" when asked the question on the Russian TV show Дождь (Rain).

Official spokesman Peskov revealed that there is no plan for Putin to use social media to connect with citizens, and he went on to say that Mr. Putin thinks such media are "inappropriate" for use by a head of state. Emphasizing that Putin rarely uses the Internet, Peskov said, "He is far from being able to live on the Internet."

Current Russian President Dmitry Medvedev uses both blogsites and Twitter in his efforts to communicate with Russians.

Mr. Putin, who will turn 59 years old on Friday, was born on 7 October 1952.

Note: Corrected age, thanks to Jack. 

[clancyhound]

Its a generational issue I believe more than anyting.  In time, as people who grew up with the internet become in positions of power - having a social media outlet will become the norm. 

You see this in everyday life also. 

What he does works for him - why change?

[ECOCKS]

It's a control issue more than anything.

If he doesn't suit up then he's not playing the game.

[Jack]

Mr. Putin, who will turn 57 years old on Friday, was born on 7 October 1952.

Must be KGB mathematics.

[mendeleyev]

Thank you, Jack. Corrected.