The "Social Media and Political Engagement" survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project identified eight major ways Americans use social network tools (Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn) and Twitter to participate in civil and political activities. To Aaron Smith, senior research scientist at the project, the survey numbers are indicative of a growing segment of the public using social media vocally and pro-actively.

"People like talking about politics, and [social media] is another venue for them to share their excitement, interest, passion ... about something that they think is important," Smith said in a phone interview.

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