FREE ESSAY ON INTERNET'S IMPACT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

INTERNET'S IMPACT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Blake Snyder
April 17, 2000
Stats Methods in Communication
Internet's Effect On Political Participation
Method
1) The internet has become a vital tool in everday life for any type of person. It has
opened up new outlets to aspects in life that may not have been experienced such as
Political Participation. With the increase use of the internet, there will be an increase
in Political Participation.
2) Independent Variable
A. The Internet provides many outlets to get involved with politics. An Internet Active
person has an easy way to get involved in politics.
B. The Internet provides a interactive twist to being involved in politics. One major
source is the new virtual communities, whose members meet in cyberspace who discuss
important issues.
3) Dependent Variable
A. People who use the internet for this purpose will be more knowledgeable on political
issues, more active in politics, and soon be able to vote on-line.
B. There are web sites that are called cyber communities where citizens have the
opportunity to contribute input on questions asked of debate participants, and have
forumsto discuss, deliberate, and influence eachother on political issues among many
other things at your convience. My original measuring instrument consists of a survey and
poll which will test the validity of the claims made.