Democracy in the Digital Age: Challenges to Political Life in Cyberspace

by Anthony G. Wilhelm

Democracy in the Digital Age is a fascinating philosophical exploration of how the emerging information and communication technologies are impacting political participation in the United States. Rather than being the antidote to democratic ills, the political conversations occurring online are neither inclusive nor deliberative, suggesting that new technologies, as currently designed and used, are as much threats to progress as they are vehicles of progress. Wilhelm finds that there is often an appearance of progress, but negligible advancement of the human condition. He discusses the four features of digitally-mediated political life (resources, inclusiveness, deliberation, and design) and demonstrates the need for a strong public policy.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ree. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for an essay on the perceived affinity between democracy and the Internet, and I think Goodreads needs more reviews for non-fiction anyway! Light hearted ones of course. Here goes!

While some of the points may not be as relevant as they probably were when the book was first published in 2000, most of the points are still very poignant. It evokes of a sense that we've gone head first into this democracy and Internet power couple without really understanding the two.

If you're interested in questioning the Internet and the accolades it receives as the medium to solve our problems, I would highly recommend this book. And if you're feeling apprehensive as it seems academic, trust me that the writing is not overly convoluted. The author does quote a number of other academics, however. So if you feel overwhelmed by all these "great thinkers" and start going "I'm just a dummy", stop. It's okay! You're not in the field, but you can certainly learn about it. You don't need to be able to recite their arguments, but to be exposed to their arguments will leave you all the better.

But if you find it too daunting to read an entire book about the topic, then feel free to engage in discussion about it!
I certainly don't know enough, and would love to hear your opinions to try an widen my understanding.
Or read a short article about it! Like this one here

Now back to this essay I need to write. Aye.

[Andreas Jungherr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting early discussion on the Internet and political life. The results and cases are a bit dated by now but the discussion of relevant theories is original and the conceptualization of various research questions is excellent and still very useful.

[Inel Lailatul]

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