Blog 6: Civic Engagement

February 23, 2009 cindymendes
Tags: anonymity, civic engagement, expression, media, public participation, social networking

Individuals use the media to seek entertainment, social relationships and as a medium to express themselves. It is uncertain, however, just how much their online participation translates into public or political participation. Does this new medium really give the people a voice? Or does it simply provide them with a cowardly way to express themselves with no significant consequence, both good and bad?

When individuals use mediums like online dating, do they accurately represent themselves? The media has allowed us to transform ourselves into ideals, through the use of photoshop and just plain lying. Even if individuals speak the truth, does their behaviour remain constant outside of the media and in the real world?

Social networking and other online communities have opened the doors for many young people to discuss social and political issues without the fear of being ridiculed. It has created an open forum for all to participate. Digital media has also sparked the interest of younger generations and provided them with creative ways of self expression, giving them a public voice that allows them to be a part of civic engagement. Through the use of blogs, wikis, virtual communities and political posts on facebook and myspace, younger generations are not able to participate in 21st century civic discussion.

Does posting on such forums constitute as real discussion? If an individual is able to express and defend their opinions online, does this necessarily mean that they will be able to do the same in another type of medium? Does it really matter? Many individuals will argue that the internet is a gateway for people who are too introvert to withdraw from society while maintaining an appearance of participation. However, an opinion expressed remains an opinion no matter what form the individual uses to express it. Granted, there may be more anonymity however, anyone can respond and a dialogue will undoubtedly ensue. Therefore the argument that online discussion is not real discussion is false.

Teaching young individuals how to cultivate a public voice through the media will help expand young adults’ ability to engage in civic discussion. This new medium allows them to link their own personal interests with public issues and creates an unlimited amount of possibilities which allow them to make a difference. Simply look at facebook. The “causes” button allows individuals to support various causes such as cancer research, animal rights and gay rights. The donations link allows members to make a contribution to various fundraisers. There are countless links that connect the individual to related material, providing them with information, resources and images to better understand whatever topic is being covered. Individuals are given an active voice to speak.

The media can be provide its audience with a wide range of tools that can help encourage civic engagement. The fear that the media isolates individuals is false and is a way of diminishing the value of online discussion. By securing anonymity, many individuals feel a sense of freedom and are able to better express themselves. This freedom of expression will eventually translate into real life as individuals practice stating their opinions.

Entry Filed under: Technology Benefits and Dangers

One Comment Add your own

• 1. Melissa  |  March 1, 2009 at 7:48 pm

  I think that the internet has opened up the door for millions of people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to share their opinions & views. The internet has evolved so much over the past years, that we now even have political parties and government officials checking popular internet sights just to get feedback from americans that they would not otherwise have had the opportunity to talk to. Yes, the internet can be anonomys, but I do not agree with the notion that introverted people use it as a facade to appear to be participating in society. Inversely, I think that it is opening the door for the discussion instead.

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