Student of Social Media

I have not only learned about digital democracy this fall, I have taken an active part in its promotion.  Digital democracy, as the Oxford Internet Institute defines it, “is simply the use of technology tools to facilitate democratic activities.”  In a political context, this notion gives citizens hope for the changing organization of political campaigns.  Increasingly, more and more people, via the Internet, will have the chance to utilize technology to raise awareness, money, and support for their causes; from particular issues (i.e. Pickens’s Plan) to particular candidates (i.e. Howard Dean and Barrack Obama).  The Internet is empowering citizens.  It is enabling us to inform and reshape the way power is used.

After a quarter dedicated to learning more about the political movement online, I feel appropriately armed with the foundational understanding of what organizations have done to involve, connect and mobilize supporters via digital technology.   “New Media Campaigns and the Managed Citizen” offered a comprehensive understanding of how political campaigns are restructuring in light of digital media, whilst “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” demonstrated it through Howard Deans ’04 presidential race.  In addition to these books, a plethora of pertinent articles and YouTube videos have contributed to my belief in, and hope for, furthering our nascent digital democracy.

Most notably, with this understanding of digital democracy, I was inspired to get involved.  I have begun to utilize digital tools myself (Meetup, blogs, Twitter, YouTube) to help promote causes online. I have transformed into an engaged, informed citizen who is part of the conversation. Conclusively, I did not understand the power of a digital democracy until I was part of it.  I strongly believe the Internet has the potential to be the primary channel for people to band together to demonstrate support for their causes.  In doing so, the government will be challenged to be more truly representative.