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Does Internet Use Promote Democracy?

April 9, 2012

Does Internet Use Promote Democracy?

Erik Nisbet, assistant professor of communication, is lead author of a new study suggesting the internet spurs pro-democratic attitudes most in countries that already have introduced some reforms in that direction.

“Instead of the internet promoting fundamental political change, it seems to reinforce political change in countries that already have at least some level of democratic freedoms,” said Nisbet

“Internet use is a less effective means to mobilize citizens for democracy in extremely authoritarian countries.”

In addition, demand for democracy is highest in a country when more people are connected to the internet and, most importantly, when they spend more time online.

Read the entire press release, courtesy of Jeff Grabmeier, office of research communications. http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/demdemand.htm

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