Examines the impact of information and communication technologies on democratic participation and community building.
Written in 2002; 1,983 words; 60 sources; APA; $ 63.95
Paper Summary:
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are purported by many to increase democratic participation and build communities. To analyze this supposition, the paper first defines democratic participation and community building in the context of ICTs. Specifically, it reviews literature on 1) enhancing strong democracy 2) revitalizing sense of community and 3) increasing social capital. In section two, the paper then presents cases that illustrate the arguments for and against these claims. In the third and final section, the paper summarizes the potentials and limitations of using ICTs to build communities and increase participation. Finally, it makes policy recommendations for realizing the empowering capabilities for democratic participation and community building of ICTs.
From the Paper:
"To reach the possibilities afforded by these technologies, public policies must support an environment that fosters political participation and community building. It is therefore important that the public interest notion that is integrated into existing telecommunications policies not be overwritten with notions of economic efficiency as the basis for public interest (Horwitz, Robert Britt, 1989). As Schaefer (1995) indicates, privatizing the evolving network infrastructure for ICTs undermine the network's long-range potential to encourage citizen-to-citizen discussion of public issues (Schaefer, Richard J., 1995). Similarly, equitable access to ICTs through all strata of society is necessary for pluralist discussions to take place online."
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