With the “Internet and Democracy” debate nearing, and the panel now complete, following the late addition of Nick Robinson, the powerful, intellectual minds that are Delib gathered to have an intial think about whether the internet can be described as either the saviour or corruptor of democracy?
Apart from allowing more and more people the opportunity to keep up with politics in real time and to hear views from a wider audience of writers, bloggers, journalists and even key players, does it actually give us, the general public, any more input into how politics unfolds or evolves from policy into law? Are we more democratic for having the internet as a tool to keep in touch with parliamentarians and political processes?
Perhaps not directly, but surely pressure from the electorate is felt more now than at any time before. The trick is to find whether this closer contact between the elected and the electors is a real ‘decentralisation’ of power or just a means of increasing gossip and conspiracy.
Ultimately, one of the main issues is whether or not the internet and online social media are good for democracy, Perhaps, a key question ought to be why Susan Boyle and Paul Potts get more votes on television shows than the political parties at elections. Are we just sick of politicians or do we want a way of seeing our votes actually having an effect – a direct impact – as with reality TV programmes where our votes count and actually cause an effect – “Gordon Brown, the votes have been counted and verified, you have been evicted!”
You can attend the debate on “The Internet: Saviour or Corruptor of Democracy” on Tuesday 30th June, 6:30pm, in the Grand Committee Room in Westminster Hall. RSVP: lauren.hilton@delib.co.uk
The Panel:
- Paul Staines (Guido Fawkes’ Blog)
- Michael White (Associate Editor, The Guardian)
- Peter Kellner (YouGov)
- Grant Shapps MP (Conservative Shadow Housing Minister)
- Mike Hoban (Director of Comms & Engagement, DirectGov)
- Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor)
