The Internet as a tool for democracy? A survey of non-profit Internet decision-makers and Web users

Authors

  • Linda Jean Kenix University of Canterbury

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v13i7.2124

Keywords:

non profit organization, democracy, internet usage

Abstract

Although research has urged scholars and practitioners to develop the Internet as a democratic tool, little research has examined how users actually use the Internet and how the Internet is conceptualized by those who create its content – particularly in the non-profit sector where questions of democracy, interconnected communication and information gathering are often central to survival. This research surveys 688 people associated with non-profit organizations in the United States to better understand their perceptions and uses of the Internet as a tool for social change.

Author Biography

Linda Jean Kenix, University of Canterbury

Linda Jean Kenix is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Political Science and Communication, University of Canterbury. Her research has traditionally focused on the representation of politically marginalized groups in the media.

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Published

2008-06-09

How to Cite

Kenix, L. J. (2008). The Internet as a tool for democracy? A survey of non-profit Internet decision-makers and Web users. First Monday, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v13i7.2124