New Media, Democracy and Participation Essay Example
Digital communication systems enhance democracy by offering greater access and participation to citizens than traditional media. Discuss.
Digital communication systems have largely enhanced democracy, offering greater access and participation to many, but not all, citizens. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument, beginning by examining the notion of new, digital media as compared to old, traditional media, the concepts which make such media “new”, and how this adds to democracy and greater participation. On the other hand, this essay will also discuss the concept of “digital divide”; that while for many in often Westernised societies, digital communication is freely available, but in other areas it is not, therefore democracy cannot be fully realised in digital communication and new media. Furthermore, some downsides to online media will be explored, and reasons why it does not always promote democratic values.
Decentralisation is a feature prevalent in new media, whereby mass media is now fragmented, and has smaller, niche options for consumers, as compared to traditional media which often has few choices (O’Shaughnessy and Stadler 2008:117). For example, while consumers were once limited to local or national media, such as local newspapers, radio broadcasts and so forth, digital systems are globalised, giving access to media from all over the world. This offers consumers greater access to a much wider variety of content, including international, independent, and amateur. A prime example of this effect is the ability to read worldwide news. Instead of being limited to The Age and The Herald Sun, citizens can go online and access The Washington Post, BBC online, or whatever media they prefer. This is also an example of another feature of new media; globalisation. Terry Flew identifies this as “borderless communication”, which pertains to a “new stage in human social development” (2008:56), which also enhances democracy and participation. This
Digital communication systems have largely enhanced democracy, offering greater access and participation to many, but not all, citizens. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument, beginning by examining the notion of new, digital media as compared to old, traditional media, the concepts which make such media “new”, and how this adds to democracy and greater participation. On the other hand, this essay will also discuss the concept of “digital divide”; that while for many in often Westernised societies, digital communication is freely available, but in other areas it is not, therefore democracy cannot be fully realised in digital communication and new media. Furthermore, some downsides to online media will be explored, and reasons why it does not always promote democratic values.
Decentralisation is a feature prevalent in new media, whereby mass media is now fragmented, and has smaller, niche options for consumers, as compared to traditional media which often has few choices (O’Shaughnessy and Stadler 2008:117). For example, while consumers were once limited to local or national media, such as local newspapers, radio broadcasts and so forth, digital systems are globalised, giving access to media from all over the world. This offers consumers greater access to a much wider variety of content, including international, independent, and amateur. A prime example of this effect is the ability to read worldwide news. Instead of being limited to The Age and The Herald Sun, citizens can go online and access The Washington Post, BBC online, or whatever media they prefer. This is also an example of another feature of new media; globalisation. Terry Flew identifies this as “borderless communication”, which pertains to a “new stage in human social development” (2008:56), which also enhances democracy and participation. This