The effects of internet use on political participation: evidence from an agency online discussion forum

Abstract

This paper seeks to clarify the relationship between Internet use and political participation. While early theorists touted the potential mobilizing effects of the Internet, empirical studies, to date, have failed to offer compelling evidence of such a relationship. This paper challenges these findings through the analysis of an experimental use of an online discussion forum during an agency strategic planning exercise. The web-based discussion run in parallel to the traditional docket attracted new individuals to participate in the decision-making process and influenced the range of topics discussed. These results suggest that extending opportunities for participation can attract new voices, thereby changing decision-makers' information environment.