Does the Internet Encourage Democracy?
Does the Internet Encourage Democracy?
The Internet serves a lot of purposes to everyone who has access to it. Information can be read, created, and spread by anyone who is connected to the Internet. That is why its role in the promotion of democracy cannot be overlooked. Without a doubt, the Internet is a powerful agent of change. However, contrasting to all the undeniable benefits that it gives, many people also see its equal potential to do harm particularly in democracy.
Those who claim that the Internet encourages democracy say that it allows fighters for democracy to connect with people who are victims of a repressive system. With the help of Internet these days, people can share their grievances on social media. They will know that they are not alone. Using social media to expose oppression not only empowers the repressed but also heightens awareness among the public.
Moreover, the Internet can become a portal for the public to express opinion and criticism to their government leaders. Government leaders will be able to address the people? issues more effectively. The government can take proper action by listening to the concerns of the people.
Finally, they add that the Internet is a medium for free flowing information between nations. Other countries that are more democratic can arouse residents of countries that are under a repressive regime. The repressed can feel empowered to demand a just government.
Those who object say that unfortunately, not all countries have access to free flowing information. Many countries use the Internet to promote submission to the government. The Internet is actuallycensored by many countries in the world. In fact, some countries have deliberately blocked Google to remove materials that people could use to fight for democracy.
Furthermore, the Internet is not always used for ideal purposes like promoting democracy. It can also be used against the public.People who exercise their freedom of speech through the Internet can get in trouble because the government uses the Internet as a form of surveillance.
Lastly, they assert that the Internet is not used by everyone to spread factual information that will open the eyes of the public. Many people also use the Internet to spread different propagandasthat aim to manipulate people. People are fed certain information from selected sources that are one-sided. Information on the Internet, although countless, is not always free from bias.
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