Online Community and Democracy

Abstract

The debate over the contribution of the Internet to democracy is far<br />from settled. Some point to the empowering effects of online discussion<br />and fund raising on recent electoral campaigns in the US to argue that<br />the Internet will restore the public sphere. Others claim that the Internet<br />is just a virtual mall, a final extension of global capitalism into every<br />corner of our lives. This paper argues for the democratic thesis with<br />some qualifications. The most important contribution of the Internet<br />to democracy is not necessarily its effects on the electoral process but<br />rather its ability to assemble a public around technical networks that<br />enroll individuals scattered over wide geographical areas. Medical<br />patients, video game players, musical performers, and many other<br />publics have emerged on the Internet with surprising consequences.