Communication Technology: Canadian Democratic Audit Series

Communication Technology: Canadian Democratic Audit Series
ISBN-10
077481182X
ISBN-13
9780774811828
Series
Communication Technology
Category
Political Science
Pages
226
Language
English
Published
2005
Publisher
University of British Columbia Press
Author
Darin Barney

Description

A decade ago, when the Internet began to emerge as a popular new mode of communication, many political scientists and social commentators surmised that technologies arising from its widespread use would revolutionize our democratic institutions. Today, voter turnout levels are at historic lows, while Internet usage is at historic highs. Can we still make the claim, then, that new information and communication technologies (ICTs) enhance democratic life in Canada? In fact, what effect is the increasing mediation of political communication by ICTs having on the practice of Canadian politics? How have such digital technologies affected the distribution of power in Canadian society? In Communication Technology, Darin Barney investigates the links between ICTs and our democratic processes. Framing his discussion around the Canadian Democratic Audit’s central concerns of inclusiveness, public participation, and responsiveness, Barney argues that the potential of ICTs to contribute to a more democratic political system will remain largely untapped unless the more conventional dimensions of Canadian politics, the economy, and modes of governance are re-oriented. A highly original volume of the Canadian Democratic Audit, Communication Technology poses some provocative questions about the state of Canadian democracy and the place of ICTs in shaping and improving it. Students of political science and media studies, as well as those with an interest in understanding the activist potential of ICTs will find this book particularly compelling.

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