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First-of-its-Kind Study Reveals Republican Senators Are More Digitally Competent than Democrats

Key findings of the Digital IQ Index include:

• Republicans boast an average Digital IQ 5.5 points higher than their colleagues across the aisle;
• The top three spots, and four of the top seven Senators ranked "Genius," the highest level of digital competence, are Republican;
• Senator Jim DeMint (R:SC), one of the most conservative Senators and Tea Party advocate, has the greatest digital velocity (acquiring followers and likes) of any Senator;
• Comparison of Digital IQ by Congressional class demonstrates that senators up for re-election lead on every social media platform, highlighting the push (need for votes) and pull (increased recognition and awareness) effect of campaigns; and
• Funds raised and name recognition may no longer be the most accurate predictor of victory, ceding that role to Digital IQ

"Social media gives voice to people's preferences and intentions, demonstrating the affinity for candidates and ideas," said Professor Galloway. "As a forward-looking indicator, social media following may be a crystal ball for what will happen in the voting booth this November, and it's looking very red."

To view the full report, go to: http://www.l2thinktank.com/senatedigitaliq/

To speak with Professor Scott Galloway, please contact him directly at 917-567-2841, scott@stern.nyu.edu; or contact Rika Nazem in NYU Stern's Office of Public Affairs, 212-998-0678, rnazem@stern.nyu.edu.

NYU Stern
Professor Scott Galloway, 917-567-2841
scott@stern.nyu.edu
or
Rika Nazem, 212-998-0678
rnazem@stern.nyu.edu