Perhaps this is smart government, or maybe it is just wasteful spending. The Social Security Administration wants to take the public's pulse to see how it is perceived on social media websites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube, as well as on blogs and in traditional media. So the agency has put out a contract request seeking help in monitoring and analyzing what's being said online, what information is being created and shared by the public, and even the tone of the discussions.

Now perhaps this information can result in better service. After all, it is good to know what your customers think and want.

"Listening to and leveraging such media is important for ensuring that SSA can respond to the preferences and expectation of the public it services," the contract announcement states.

But perhaps this is going a step too far. You be the judge.

For more on SSA's plans:
- check out this Federal Computer Week article