Online Community and Democracy

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

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.

Object Details

• ISSN: 2538-6255
• Extent: Seite(n): 37-60
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion; begutachtet (peer reviewed)

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Journal of Cyberspace Studies, 1(1)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Politikwissenschaft ; Publizistische Medien, Journalismus,Verlagswesen ; interaktive, elektronische Medien ; politische Willensbildung, politische Soziologie, politische Kultur ; politische Willensbildung ; Demokratie ; Wahlkampf ; interaktive Medien ; Internet ; Netzgemeinschaft ; elektronische Medien

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Feenberg, Andrew
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (when): 2017

Further information

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22059/jcpolicy.2017.59869
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:26 PM CEST