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Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy

Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy

Kenneth L. Hacker, Eric L. Morgan
Copyright: © 2013 |Volume: 4 |Issue: 3 |Pages: 11
ISSN: 1947-9301|EISSN: 1947-931X|EISBN13: 9781466633858|DOI: 10.4018/ijtd.2013070104
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MLA

Hacker, Kenneth L., and Eric L. Morgan. "Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy." IJTD vol.4, no.3 2013: pp.84-94. http://doi.org/10.4018/ijtd.2013070104

APA

Hacker, K. L. & Morgan, E. L. (2013). Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy. International Journal of Technology Diffusion (IJTD), 4(3), 84-94. http://doi.org/10.4018/ijtd.2013070104

Chicago

Hacker, Kenneth L., and Eric L. Morgan. "Empowering and Disempowering Aspects of New Media Networking and Digital Democracy," International Journal of Technology Diffusion (IJTD) 4, no.3: 84-94. http://doi.org/10.4018/ijtd.2013070104

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Abstract

The relationship between new media networking (NMN) and political participation continues to develop in complex ways. In light of evidence pointing to increased political participation through NMN, the structures of the networks people engage continue to exhibit both empowering and disempowering aspects. While some gaps associated with the Digital Divide are closing, others are opening. This essay utilizes network theory and power law distribution to further understand new media networks. The article concludes that there are inherent inequalities in new media networks, the inequalities can be addressed through public policy, and that they are made relevant through narratives of optimistic but realistic, progress.

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