Abstract
Digital media, in particular social media, are often perceived to be changing political participation. In this discourse, the Internet is seen as a new public sphere with promises of increased democratization and access to political information. The younger generation in particular is supposed to have become more politically active thanks to the Web. In this article, the psychological, sociological and technological factors influencing the deliberative participation in virtual communities are being explored to understand some of the reasons for active or passive participation in e-democracy projects based in online groups. Some examples of successful e-democracy activities in Brazil, Germany and Slovakia are also discussed. Finally, the chances for sustainable development of direct democracy projects with the help of new media are presented.
Highlights
E-democracy and E-governmentThe Internet provides opportunities for citizens to engage with political institutions in several ways
E-democracy involves utilizing information and communication technologies to enable citizens to participate in democratic processes directly
E-government is understood as services created by government for citizens to streamline communication between themselves and government in various life situations including e-democracy
Summary
The Internet provides opportunities for citizens to engage with political institutions in several ways. E-democracy involves utilizing information and communication technologies to enable citizens to participate in democratic processes directly. These processes may involve creating laws, discussing the problematic aspects of public issues or participating in the development of effective state administration by expressing opinions and comments. Heeks (2008) defines e-government as the use of information and communication technologies to improve the activities of public sector organizations, public services for citizens, entrepreneurs and society as a whole. Based on these definitions, e-government is understood as services created by government for citizens to streamline communication between themselves and government in various life situations including e-democracy. Only citizens’ willingness to participate, and the openness of politicians and governments to citizens’ input (Rossini, Oliveira, 2016)
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