Digital Technology, Politics, and Policy-Making

Digital technology has significantly impacted liberal democracies in political communication, participation, and policy-making. It has changed the flow of information, the connection between the public and elites, and the development of policy responses to societal problems. Research consensus and unresolved questions exist, and issue definition is a key perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Digital technology has had a profound impact on liberal democracies, influencing three key aspects of democratic politics: political communication, political participation, and policy-making. This impact extends across the entire political process, affecting the flow of information, the connection between the mass public and political elites, and the development of policy responses to societal problems.

In the realm of political communication, digital technology has facilitated the rapid dissemination of information and the emergence of new forms of political participation. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for citizens to express their opinions, organize protests, and engage in political discourse. However, this has also led to concerns about the spread of misinformation, the polarization of political discourse, and the erosion of trust in institutions.

Political participation has also been significantly impacted by digital technology. Online voting, e-petitions, and crowdfunding have made it easier for citizens to participate in political processes and have increased the visibility of marginalized voices. However, there are also concerns about the potential for digital divide, where access to technology is limited, particularly among marginalized communities.

Policy-making has also been transformed by digital technology. Governments can now collect and analyze large amounts of data to inform policy decisions, and digital platforms can be used to crowdsource ideas and engage citizens in the policy-making process. However, there are also concerns about the potential for government surveillance, the concentration of power in the hands of tech companies, and the impact of algorithms on policy outcomes.

The impact of digital technology on liberal democracies is complex and multifaceted. While it has facilitated new forms of political participation and communication, it has also raised concerns about the erosion of trust in institutions, the potential for political polarization, and the concentration of power in the hands of tech companies. As such, there is a need for ongoing research and policy interventions to address these challenges and ensure that digital technology is used to promote the values and principles of liberal democracies.

In conclusion, digital technology has had a significant impact on liberal democracies, shaping political communication, political participation, and policy-making in profound ways. While it has facilitated new forms of participation and communication, it has also raised concerns about the potential for erosion of trust, political polarization, and the concentration of power in the hands of tech companies. As such, there is a need for ongoing research and policy interventions to ensure that digital technology is used to promote the values and principles of liberal democracies.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108744904