Abstract
Social Networks![Figure][1] CREDIT: © GREENSHOOTS COMMUNICATIONS/ALAMY There are many anecdotes linking digital media access to democracy, including the use of social media to organize and communicate information about protests. Rhue and Sundararajan collected needed empirical data on 189 countries for the period 2000–2010. Democracy was measured as scores from the independent watchdog organization Freedom House on civil liberties, media freedom, and political rights. Digital access (mobile phone and Internet) was obtained from the International Telecommunication Union, an agency of the United Nations. Digital access was positively associated with civil liberties and media freedom. Mobile penetration had a greater impact on civil liberties than Internet access. Dynamic analyses revealed that greater access to mobile technology had an increased effect on civil liberties when a neighboring country (or a trade partner) scored high in civil liberties, suggesting that the diffusion of civil liberties is enhanced by digital access. Soc. Networks 36 , 40 (2014). [1]: pending:yes
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
