Currently, the internet is used everywhere. People now
have a chance to connect with other parts of the world
more faster, easier way than before. Other than using
the internet as a main source of communicating with
friends and family, it can be used as a tool for
increasing citizen participation in politics.
On August 7 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that
he would run for California governor. Usually I am not
interested in politics, but since movie actor is
running for the governor, I became interested.
Television programs did not provide enough information
about Schwarzenegger. I wanted to know about his
background information, such as his previous
experience in politics. Not only I found information
from the internet, but I was able to interact with
other people who were interested in Schwarzenegger as
well. Online discussion forums, chat rooms and message
boards connected me to the world of politics.
English: Cropped and resized photo by User:Maveric...
English: Arnold Schwarzenegger in July 2003
La bildo estas kopiita de wikipedia:en. La origina...The
internet certainly provides every details where
newspaper and television do not. Also, people are
allowed to share their opinions in an open
environment. Moreover, it is the next communication
tool that people will use more often. The internet
brings a positive social interaction in political
world by changing means of social interaction
previously not possible. It will enhance the
communication in today's society where it helps to
share ideas or opinions from a variety different of
people.
The internet is a place where people can facilitate
political participation. For example, online
communication will have the potential to promote the
type of interaction
between voters and candidates. Also, the internet will
educate the candidates and perhaps close the gap
between politicians and the public. Sven Birkerts'
essay, "Homo virtualis," states that the internet has
a positive side:
I left my meeting with F. in a state of agitation. My
prior assumptions had been
tested, in some ways undermined, and I was confused
about my stand. Could on even have a stand on
something as vast and inchoate as the Net? I had to
concede that there was a good deal more energy and
life in these unseen places that I had at first
imagined - it was not all about nerds playing dungeon
games. Interchanges on the Net so clearly filled real
needs and brought diverse kinds of fulfillment.
Indeed, some of these sites were home to a passionate
and productive debate I rarely encountered ... IRL.
(247)
Birkerts is surprised that people actually share
opinions online. Her opinion relates to the idea of
increasing citizen participation for political issues
because some people actually do go online to discuss
about political issues, such as upcoming California
governor's election.
The internet has the capability to register and
transmit user's opinions quickly and effectively. By
using the internet, users can receive a degree of
empowerment that they have never had before. For
example, a well-known American television network,
Cable News Network (CNN), recently conducted survey
which candidates are suitable for California governor. This way people will get to have
a chance to pick the suitable candidate and indirectly
see who would be the best California governor. I
participated in a survey for California governor as
well. Although I do not live in California, I still
have
a chance to participate in a political event. The
internet therefore can guarantee equal access to
information for the individuals into network's that
will make real participatory discussion and debate
possible across great distances. An active and
informed citizen gathering information and expressing
opinions electronically is therefore can be achieved
through the internet. For example, the protest at the
World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle shows the
ability of the internet to help gather a serious group
of activists. Small groups of protestors coordinate
the Seattle demonstration primarily through e-mails
and linked websites. The protestors at Seattle reveal
that people actually use the internet as a form of a
communication tool.
Some people argue that the internet does not help
society in a political way. They say that most
internet users go online for purposes other than
politics. Other than engaging in political discussion
on the internet, people will use it for personal
communications and entertainment. But some people will
actually use the internet for interacting and sharing
ideas with others. Neil Postman's essay, "Virtual
Students, Digital Classroom," states:
As the discussion proceeds, important distinctions are
made among the different meaning of "belief," but at
some point it becomes far from asinine to speak of the
god of Technology - in the sense that people believe
technology works, that they rely on it, that it makes
promises, that they are bereft when denied access to it, that they are delighted when they are in its
presence, that for most people it
works in mysterious ways, that they condemn people who
speak against it, that they stand in awe of it and
that, in the "born again" mode, they will alter their
life-styles, their schedules, their habits and their
relationships to accommodate it. If this be not a form
of religious belief, what is? (968)
Postman could be correct , but not all people rely on
the technology do not do their work. People retrieve
information from the internet. They also interact with
other users so that they get various kinds of
opinions. For example, I go online forums to read what
people are thinking about California governor recall
election. I read messages replied by different people.
I do not have to be Californian to contribute my
opinion about California governor.
Computer technology has improved in recent years so
that people use it for communicating with friends or
family. But the internet has more purposes to it. It
brings people together for political issues. People
can actually share ideas from all around the world.
Also people who are already interested in politics can
engage in the online discussion forum. The internet
became powerful tool of communication because it has a
non-broadcasting and interactive communication mode so
that "propaganda" is not felt by the citizens.
Furthermore, there are more opportunities for
discussing opinions on political issues. If more
people use the internet as a means of sharing ideas,
the biased reaction toward the lack of social
interaction will change.
Works Cited
Linda H. Peterson, John C. Bereton and Joan E.
Hartman. The Norton Reader.
New York: Electra, 1997
Gatherings: WTO Perspective From Seattle. Main. Bob
Russell.
Jan. 2000. Gatherings. 30 Sept. 2001
.
Schwarzenegger announces bid for governor. Main. Cable
News Network.
7 Aug. 2003. Cable News Network. 5 Oct. 2003
.
Q: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ?. Main. Google.
6 June. 2003. Google Answers. 5 Oct. 2003
.