Digital media helps build a democracy

Washington: Digital media such as mobile phones and Internet have been found to be essential for building democracies. According to a study conducted by the University of Washington, it has been found that, Internet has played an effective role in all democracies.

"The Internet has played a key role in nearly all democratic transitions in the last 15 years," said Phillip N. Howard, a UW Associate Professor of Communication, whose study was funded by National Science Foundation. New information technologies contribute to democratic entrenchment or transition in countries with large Muslim populations, explained Howard and his team.

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"The recipe for democratisation 50 years ago had other ingredients such as radio, television and newspapers. Today, the recipe must include the Internet," he stated. Young and digital savvy users spread information independently which are usually free from cultural, political and regional bias.

The three year study revealed that, internet is mostly used in Islamic countries to discuss about day to day civic discourse. This is helping their societies to get better at conducting elections, providing civic services and exposing corrupt practices in the society.

After studying the information and communication technology in 75 countries, the researchers found that internet is transforming the society for good and boosting economic growth.

"New information technologies do not topple dictators; they are used to catch dictators off guard. If opinion leaders and cultural elites are online, they can lead a very vibrant public sphere," added Howard.