Digital Networks and Democratic PossibilitiesHabermas’ Public Sphere in Contemporary E-Societies

Abstract

This essay asserts the relevance of Jürgen Habermas’
concept of a public sphere for political engagement via
the Internet. It contends that the Internet’s openness to
popular participation affords greater democratic potential than the traditional media in media-rich societies.
Democratic participation on the Internet complements
and affects the operations of more formal political
structures, adapting to and creating new trends in political engagement.