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https://doi.org/10.22059/jcpolicy.2017.59869
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Online Community and Democracy
[journal article]
Abstract The debate over the contribution of the Internet to democracy is far from settled. Some point to the empowering effects of online discussion and fund raising on recent electoral campaigns in the US to argue that the Internet will restore the public sphere. Others claim that the Internet is just a vi... view more
The debate over the contribution of the Internet to democracy is far from settled. Some point to the empowering effects of online discussion and fund raising on recent electoral campaigns in the US to argue that the Internet will restore the public sphere. Others claim that the Internet is just a virtual mall, a final extension of global capitalism into every corner of our lives. This paper argues for the democratic thesis with some qualifications. The most important contribution of the Internet to democracy is not necessarily its effects on the electoral process but rather its ability to assemble a public around technical networks that enroll individuals scattered over wide geographical areas. Medical patients, video game players, musical performers, and many other publics have emerged on the Internet with surprising consequences.... view less
Keywords
interactive media; formulation of political objectives; Internet; election campaign; democracy; electronic media; internet community
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Interactive, electronic Media
Free Keywords
online community; the information model; the consumption model; the community model
Document language
English
Publication Year
2017
Page/Pages
p. 37-60
Journal
Journal of Cyberspace Studies, 1 (2017) 1
ISSN
2538-6255
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed