The effects of internet use on political participation : evidence form an agency online discussion forum
By: STANLEY, J. Woody
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Contributor(s): WEARE, Cristopher.
Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: Thousand Oaks : SAGE, November 2004Subject(s): Internet | Política | Participação Política | Administração Federal | Administração Estadual | Administração Municipal | Estados UnidosAdministration & Society 36, 5, p. 503-527Abstract: We seek to clarify relationship between Internet use and political participation. Although early theorists touted the potential mobilizing effects of the Internet existing empirical studies have failed to find support for such a relationship. We challenge these findings through the analysis of an experimental use of an online discussion forum in an agency strategic planning exercise. The Web-based discussion run in a parallel to the traditional docket attracted new individuals to participate in the decision-making process and influenced the range of topics discussed. These results suggest that extending opportunities for the participation can attract new voices, thereby changing decision maker´s information environment
We seek to clarify relationship between Internet use and political participation. Although early theorists touted the potential mobilizing effects of the Internet existing empirical studies have failed to find support for such a relationship. We challenge these findings through the analysis of an experimental use of an online discussion forum in an agency strategic planning exercise. The Web-based discussion run in a parallel to the traditional docket attracted new individuals to participate in the decision-making process and influenced the range of topics discussed. These results suggest that extending opportunities for the participation can attract new voices, thereby changing decision maker´s information environment
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