scholarly journals Towards a More Inclusive Digital Democracy in Asia: Introduction to the Digital Democracy Special Issue of Asiascape: Digital Asia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-138
Author(s):  
Yenn Lee
Keyword(s):  
Special Issue ◽  
Digital Democracy ◽  
Marginalized Groups

Abstract This article provides an introduction to the Asiascape: Digtial Asia special issue on digital democracy. It provides readers with a brief overview of literature that deals with digital democracy and marginalized groups online, followed by an overview of the contributions that make up this issue. It argues that democracy is only as strong as the voices on its margins, and it calls for deeper reflection about how we can create more inclusive models of digital democracy in Asia and beyond.

scholarly journals Networking democracy? Social media innovations in participatory politics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Mercea
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Cautious Approach ◽  
Digital Democracy ◽  
Participatory Politics ◽  
Collaborative Networking ◽  
Communicative Power

Early conceptions of digital democracy as a virtual public sphere or civic commons have been replaced by a new technological optimism for democratic renewal based upon the open and collaborative networking characteristics of social media. This article provides an introduction to a special issue of the international journal Information, Communication & Society, which attempts to present a grounded analysis of these claims drawing upon evidence-based research and analysis. A more cautious approach is suggested for the potential of social media to facilitate more participative democracy while acknowledging its disruptive value for challenging traditional interests and modes of communicative power.

scholarly journals Mapping Persian Twitter: Networks and mechanism of political communication in Iranian 2017 presidential election

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 205395172110255
Author(s):  
Hossein Kermani ◽  
Marzieh Adham
Keyword(s):  
Political Communication ◽  
Presidential Election ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Citizen Journalism ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
Mainstream Media ◽  
Digital Democracy ◽  
Marginalized Groups ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
Networked Publics

This paper investigates the structure of networked publics and their sharing practices in Persian Twitter during a period surrounding Iran’s 2017 presidential election. Building on networked gatekeeping and framing theories, we used a mixed methodological approach to analyze a dataset of 2,596,284 Persian tweets. Results revealed that Twitter provided a space for Iranians to discuss public topics. However, this space is not necessarily used by voiceless and marginalized groups; and the uses are not limited to discussing controversial issues. The growing body of conservative crowdsourced elites emerged to defend the regime’s ideology. Moreover, the dominant networked frames were shaped around normal and routine subjects in an election time. Thus, Twitter was not a platform for only seeking liberal demands. It was to some extent used to serve the regime’s political interests. Furthermore, while many ordinary users rose to prominence, mainstream media continued to act as powerful players. This study contributes to the existing literature into networked practices, digital democracy, and citizen journalism; particularly in restrictive contexts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document