The White House’s recent decision to join Reddit has garnered a lot of attention. As the Biden administration explores new avenues for digital engagement, the move to join the Reddit community marks a shift in how it connects with the public during major events.
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Below is a closer look at the White House's presence on Reddit and what it could mean for future government involvement.
The White House recently began posting to Reddit to communicate updates on the response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The administration uses the account “u/whitehouse” to post to subreddits such as r/NorthCarolina and r/Georgia, detailing FEMA assistance and federal disaster relief efforts. The first post included an image of President Biden being briefed on the hurricanes, indicating the administration’s intention to engage with the Reddit community during a critical time.
This shift to Reddit marks a new approach to government communications. While platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are the norm for official updates, Reddit offers a more community-focused and interactive environment. The account, which was created in January 2021, had previously been unused, raising questions about its origins. Reddit confirmed the account’s legitimacy through an “Official” badge under the Reddit Pro program, giving users assurance about the authenticity of its posts.