| Summary: | The debate about the contribution of the Internet to democracy remains far from settled. Some observers point to the potential the Internet affords for restoring the public sphere, emphasizing the empowering effects of online discussions. Others claim that the Internet is little more than a virtual mall; an extension of global capitalism into every corner of our lives. Proponents of this view tend to be supportive of the democratization hypothesis, albeit with some reservations. We argue that the most important contribution of the Internet to democracy is not its effects on the electoral process but rather its ability to bring publics together via technical networks that link individuals dispersed over wide geographical areas. Medical patients, video game players, musical performers, and many other publics have emerged on the Internet with surprising consequences.
|
|---|