Digital Democracy: Are We Ready?

Nowadays everything is entitled with the term “digital”; digital economy; digital education; digital community; digital democracy. Digitalization occurs in various parts of our daily life; from economy to politics. The word “digital” refers to the use of digital media in conducting activities.

Today we hold the most fantastic means of communications literally at our fingertips. Political conversation has transformed to become 10 second sound bites; voting has now become one click away; and politics is more about channeling personal opinion instead of the power of ideas.

In California, state legislative hearings can be accessed with a Google-like search. Political campaign, interest groups, and other legislative actions can also be identified with the internet. In Hongkong, citizens use websites, e-mail, online video and cell phone messaging to mobilize their families and friends to participate in democracy rallies. New technology bridges political engagement. Internet facilitates people-based participation in many aspects of civic life.

Digital democracy is defined as the pursuit and the practice of democracy using digital media in online and offline political communication. Political activities are not only happening in internet but also in physical meetings where mobile digital media are used for assistance. Online means functions as platform of transforming the relationship between society and government.

Digital democracy brought us new promises as well as new perils. At this age of digital society era we’re living in; businesses will be transformed and government will be renewed; all through digital means.

Internet educates people on democracy. Everyone can conduct research through internet; as it is easy, inexpensive, and user friendly. Internet enables citizen to get and post information about politicians; allowing feedbacks and insights for the stakeholders. Digital technology is the best way to communicate ideas, and democracy is the best means of realizing those ideas. Digital engagement transform our means of exchanging ideas and channeling our concerns. Thanks to the internet, is easier for us to find out where our elected representatives stand on issues and where our money is going. Government not only inform citizens about their policies on government websites, but also invite citizens to reply or to have an input with their own ideas, suggestions or complains.

However, it should be noted that the broad use of broadband brought a set complexities. Excess of information can be as troublesome as lack of it. Everyone can voice up their opinion, everyone can update their status. Too many opinions, too many noise; makes it harder and longer to screen through one by one. Another thing is the digital divide between those with access to the digitalized media and those without.