Social Media, Democracy, and Democratization

Social Media and Counter-Democracy: The Contingences of Participation

As democracy goes through various crisis and citizens increasingly disengage with traditional party politics, extra-parliamentarian, alternative modes of democratic politics emerge on many fronts; manifesting a development towards what is called counter-democracy. Debates on the role of the internet in democracy have been with us since its inception; today the discussions focus on social media,...

Market Forces, Media Assistance and Democratization

New Social Media and (Electronic) Democratization in East and Southeast Asia Malaysia and China Compared

This essay explores the impact of the Internet and new social media in China and Malaysia. In particular, it examines the extent to which the tools and platforms of new information communication technology have democratizing effects in two very different types of illiberal regime. Democratization here is defined not as a simple process of political liberalization but instead as a dynamic proces...

Democracy, Political Perceptions, and New Media

The participation of citizens in a democratic government is often influenced by the media, particularly new communication technologies. The differences between mass media and new media are pertinent to understanding how each works to shape our opinions and perceptions. Students need to understand the role of both traditional mass media outlets and new media in shaping public participation in ou...

Understanding Social Democracy