As new communication technologies become more accessible to the mass public, it is often questioned whether this will accelerate processes of democratization in non-democratic societies and enhance political participation and discourse in democratic s...
As new communication technologies become more accessible to the mass public, it is often questioned whether this will accelerate processes of democratization in non-democratic societies and enhance political participation and discourse in democratic societies. This paper outlines the case supporting such a view and examines the impact of new communication technologies upon the functioning of democracy. The paper also discusses changes in development, ownershhip, or public policies that would help foster this potential.