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