The Internet's Effects on technology and Democracy...

How has the Internet affected the way Americans approach democracy?

In my opinion, I think that the Internet has been like a catalyst that has sparked people's way of thinking, especially when it comes to democracy. For example people are able to look at different Internet sites and compare them, and then from there decide where they stand, based on the information they read. I think that this presidential campaign has drawn people in more and more because one group of people say one thing and another group say something else, that's why I feel like the debates have been a hit this year because citizens, especially the “undecided” ones are more tuned to hearing from the actual candidate. According to New York Times, Republicans and Democrats are increasing their use of Internet through interactive websites, candidate and party blogs, and assembling crowds for rallies. They say that the Internet is a more efficient and less costly than traditional tools of politics such as door knocking and telephone banks.

How does the Internet and its effects fit into the historical context of technology and democracy in America?

Since the Internet is a more recent development compared to telephones and rallies, people I think are going to be more drawn to it just because its a newer quicker way to communicate. So when comes to things like elections, candidates will rely more on the Internet to get information out to get more people behind them. Also, telephones can't be used to call a big number of people at once and the Internet can easily do that. Although its hard for us to admit sometimes, we'd rather communicate online or text message than take the time to pick up the phone and talk because our world today has to go fast and nothing else.