I wish I could instruct my legislators on how to vote effectively. Now you can, and it’s right at your fingertips, thanks to the Digital Democracy. The digital democracy project includes a mobile voting app and an online tracking system that connects you to the process, granting you the power to vote on pending bills that affect us all on a daily basis, and to inform legislators about your preferences. You have the power to vote in the way you desire, without the influence of party politics, big money, or special interests. We simply compare the desires of voters with the actual actions of legislators, ensuring transparency for all.
Effects of the Technology
It is a result of the evolution of technology, information, and telecommunications (ICT). The 21st century has seen significant changes in virtually every aspect of human life. Nowadays, virtualization and digitalization are comprehensively affecting the way people live. The environment encompasses state, social, cultural, economic, political, and religious aspects. There are many developments or modern paradigms, especially regarding democracy. ICT is developing at a rapid pace. We live in a digital world where communities thrive. We can now communicate with each other very easily, and accessing information is no longer a complicated process.
What is Democracy and Digital Democracy?
Democracy is the form of the government, this means the people have vested right and the power in the hand of the people. Democracy was used in old times. Traditional pattern in which it was quite difficult for people to access information. Regarding government and state issues. The word digital means related to the technology. Through the development of ICT, the style of democracy has developed. Made a lot of changes and provided many convenient benefits. Democracy in the digital age can provide easier access for the community, especially in terms of receiving and expressing Information.
Digital Democracy: Lack of Internet Facility and Ethical Issues
When community members behave inappropriately on digital platforms, there are a significant number of democracies in the world. As a key component of modern democracy, everyone who uses the internet must have this. When you are expressing your opinions, it is essential to take into consideration the manners and morals of the person you are speaking with. Citizens are able to legally exercise their right to vote in certain regions. There is a scarcity of facilities, such as internet access, particularly in regions that are still in the process of developing.
Use of the Social media in Digital Democracy
In addition, modern users of social media are more likely to encounter content that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. It is without a doubt possible to make use of this facilitation of access in order to express opinions, acquire information, and mobilize the populace on significant issues in a democratic system. Â The general population can and you can easily find information and express your goals using social media. Media platforms, which include Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, TikTok, Line, blogs, websites, and other comparable platforms are also available. Also, candidates and politicians often, during the political campaign, they use social media in different ways. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to spread your message.
 People Shifted From Electronic Media to Social Media
During the 1990s, the community began to become familiar with the information technology of the internet. The manner in which individuals adapted to democratic life was impacted as a result of this. Historically, the only means by which individuals were able to obtain information and voice their opinions was through the mass media, which included radio, television, and printed newspapers. Presently, this pattern of behavior has changed, and the majority of people now use digital platforms. Using the internet and various social media platforms, the general public is now able to freely promote democracy. People can be inspired and motivated through the use of the internet and social media, which is another distinct advantage. Previously, it was difficult to communicate directly with the government and society due to the perceived distance between them. However, the internet and social media have made it possible to communicate directly with these entities.
Digital Democracy Brings Electronic Voting
Political and governmental goals can be accomplished through the utilization of digital media and networks, which is what is meant by the term “digital democracy.” In the context of democracy, digital technology exerts a significant amount of influence on the democratic process by means of political mobilization, campaign strategies, and the polarization of the public. Additionally, the implementation of social movements, electronic voting, and electronic government all contribute to the development of digital democracy.
Democracy has succeeded in bringing about political change in the Arab world. Due to the involvement of countries through the Arab Spring Students, who were able to use social media as a resource? Communication in developing resistance movements. It has been said that social media encourages the rise of civil politics because, People are more worried about political issues. The researchers showed that e-voting succeeded in creating presence. The electoral process will be more effective and efficient.
Social Media Change the Perception and Strength the Digital Democracy
The Arab world has experienced a successful transition to democracy, which has resulted in political change. Would you like to know which students were able to utilize social media as a resource as a result of the involvement of countries through the Arab Spring? Communication in the process of developing the resistance movements. It has been argued that the use of social media enables people to become more concerned about political issues, which in turn helps to foster the growth of civil politics. Electronic voting was able to successfully establish a presence, as demonstrated by the researchers. Both the effectiveness and efficiency of the electoral process will be improved.
The Countries Changed Due To Digital Democracy
Social media successfully broke the chain of political inequality in Thailand, where young people were more active, particularly during the referendum. The study underscored the significance of new media, particularly websites, in disseminating influence and spearheading campaigns during the expansion of the Five Star Movement (M5S) in Italy. The study demonstrates that Aboriginal tribes in Australia, as indigenous people, have successfully increased their equality and political influence through the use of social media. People’s political participation through social media is higher in established democracies like Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, compared to “third wave” democracies like Greece, Poland, and Spain. The Iranian government strictly controls the internet through information censorship to prevent the emergence of a democracy promotion movement.
Digital Democracy: Positive and Negative Effect in Digital Era
The study of democracy in the digital era has both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspects facilitate the expression of aspirations, the formation of groups, the protest of policies, the regulation of policies proposed by governments, and other activities. In this regard, democratic nations are advancing toward democracy due to the potential for users to express their opinions through virtual spaces and internet access. Nevertheless, this circumstance requires a profound understanding and adherence to ethical standards in order to prevent individuals from abusing their freedom of expression to violate human rights and transgress virtual ethics. Conversely, there is a disadvantage to democracy in the digital age. The public’s comprehension of social media frequently presents a challenge. In the virtual realm, the public is unable to access numerous instances of ethical violations and unauthorized use.Â
The objective of this concise article is to facilitate the comprehension of the fundamental concepts of digital democracy for both novices and researchers.Â
Dr. Abid Hussain Nawaz
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