Fiscal cliff debate a hot topic in Twitterverse

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - A trending topic on Twitter is the center of debate on Capitol Hill. It's known as #My2k and twitter followers are using it to spread the word on the upcoming fiscal cliff.

#My2k represents the estimated $2,000 increase in taxes a typical American family will see if Congress doesn't reach a deal. President Obama recently introduced the hashtag to encourage voters to share what an extra $2,000 in taxes could mean to their families.

UMass Political Science Professor Jesse Rhodes told 22News that the President has used social media effectively to mobilize a "get out to vote" effort, but the concept of using social media to change policy could lose steam. 

“It's not as easy to induce people to become really excited about policies over the long term. The difference between raising tax rates versus just ending tax breaks it's kind of technical, it's complicated,” Rhodes said.

If Congress doesn't reach a deal by the end of the year, tax hikes for most Americans and across-the-board spending cuts will kick in.