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Democracy and Social Media ... Really?

I've been rather busy of late, but I did manage to read some articles on how social media have promoted democracy, and how people are more involved with politics, elections, campaigns ... and with one another... due to web 2.0 tools. I also had a read about democracy (and direct democracy) and social media.

I believe that the Internet has given an opportunity to all people to be more involved, share their views and take action ...oh and donate money...

So, people are more engaged and their views are out there for politicians to take them into consideration. But wait... just because I Blog and use facebook and social groups or use twitter to write what I'm doing does not make me an active citizen in my community in real life. Sure, it makes me an active member, but, in an online constituency, sharing my views with like minded people.

Participatory democracy needs people to be involved, and YES you can be involved through social media. You will also need to act in real life.
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Comments

  1. Evan Ravitz28 November 2008 at 18:28

    Vasileios is right. This research shows that Web 2.0 & social talking won't halt disengagement: http://www.simoncollister.com/simonsays/2008/11/research-shows-that-social-media-wont-halt-political-disengagement-aka-i-told-you-so.html

    Participatory democracy is what is needed. The most evolved project for a hybrid direct/representative democracy is led by former Sen. Mike Gravel. Registered voters can now vote to ratify the National Initiative for Democracy at http://Vote.org, much as citizens ratified the Constitution at the Conventions when the Legislatures wouldn't!

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