Role of New Media in Democratization Process

By

Bhaswati Guha Majumder

Content Introduction Roles of New Media Impact of New Media Conclusion Bibliography

Introduction: New Media -the term is used to define

all that are related to the internet and the interplay between technology, images and sound

New media has provided space for audience to exercise freedom of expression, views and opinions

Rapid technological development has created an unique phenomenon that is New Media

Information is readily available at fingertip

Advancement in digital technology has enabled people to upload almost anything, post, discuss, interact and comment

When World Wide Web became popular in mid 1990, it enabled people to share information in ways that were never possible

In this video Glenn Greenwald analyzes the Internet’s potential as an “incredibly valuable tool” for democratic participation and citizen journalism, but also as a means to strengthen the position of power elites.

As an example, in USA, more than 60% adults use social media, like Facebook and Twitter. On these platforms, they not only share their general thoughts, but they do share what they think about politics. They follow different politicians, take part in various surveys and discussions, and last but not least, influence and get influenced by others’ thoughts. It shows that most of the people using social media take interest in political events taking place around them.

The Roles of New Media

Changes in the pattern of interaction and social relationship

Potential to change the fundamental character of social life or at a societal level

Information can be delivered to all of the community speedily, and this would impact all segments of society

Impact of New Media The first event that

changed the landscape of social democracy took place in 1994. The Zapatista Army of National Liberation Army in Chiapas, Mexico used new media for political activism, particularly politically motivated communication to its supporters in Mexico and world wide.

In the year 2000, social movements in Serbia have mobilized a large number of people to question the oppressive political regime, that directly contributed to the fall of President Slobodan Milosevic. The social network based movement was established by a group of university students in October 1998.

In the year 2008, hundreds of thousands of people marched in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, to protest the continuous violence by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. All information regarding the protest was transmitted and disseminated via Facebook.

Arab Spring, has always been used to refer to revolution led by everyday people through new media.

The implication is how the new media is used to encourage democracy and in an effective manner.

It is established that the internet can directly impact a democratic system.

The story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz. From Swartz's help in the development of the basic internet protocol RSS to his co-founding of Reddit, it was groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing combined with his aggressive approach to information access that ensnared him in a two year legal nightmare. It was a battle that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26. Aaron's story touched a nerve with people far beyond the online communities in which he was a celebrity. This film is a personal story about what we lose when we are tone deaf about technology and its relationship to our civil liberties.

In January 2013, Laura Poitras started receiving anonymous encrypted e-mails from "CITIZENFOUR," who claimed to have evidence of illegal covert surveillance programs run by the NSA in collaboration with other intelligence agencies worldwide. Five months later, she and reporters Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with the man who turned out to be Edward Snowden. She brought her camera with her. The resulting film is history unfolding before our eyes.

Conclusion The challenges of democratization through media, the

government should institute a new law or bill that governs dissemination of information so as to avoid misperception and malice.

This would mean that new media organization (online news agency, information sites, etc.) should uphold conviction and accountability in ensuring the dissemination of information.

The definition of media literacy should also be extended to include social media understanding, which teaches the society not only to accept, but also to be capable of interpreting and evaluating information from social media

Bibliography gigaom.comwww.slideshare.netwww.business2community.comwww.retail-week.comwww.flickr.comwww.economist.comwww.glammonitor.comcommunity.imgur.comwww.theguardian.com/imdbYouTube