The Grand Old Party is trying to stay young and relevant by embracing social media and incorporating cutting-edge technology into its national convention in Tampa, Fla., this week.

With a high-tech, multi-screen stage design and a digital Convention Without Walls, the Republican Party is giving its message a fresh face.

WRAL News anchor Jackie Hyland visited the Google Lounge Wednesday afternoon, where media professionals can chat, relax and report while utilizing the latest Google gadgets and technology.

North Carolina Republican Party Vice Chairman Wayne King said youth input helps keep the party from becoming stale and out of touch.

"We believe it's important to reach out to young people," he said. "That's what we promised in 2011 when I ran for vice chairman, and that's exactly what we've done."

Daniel Rufty, one of the state's youngest delegates at age 26, said Republicans need to better understand the issues young voters care about.

"(Young people) want government off their back. They don't want government deciding what they do with their businesses, or in the bedroom for that matter," he said. "They're big into liberty, freedom, personal decisions and personal responsibility."

Employing social media is one good way to make sure GOP messages get to young people, Rufty added.