Information technology in support of public deliberation

Andrea L. Kavanaugh, Philip L. Isenhour, Matthew Cooper, John M. Carroll, Mary Beth Rosson, Joseph Schmitz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Increased citizen-to-citizen discussion and deliberation is an important potential of digital government initiatives. This paper presents findings from a longitudinal study of such outcomes using household survey data, focus groups and one-on-one interviews from a mature community network - the Blacksburg Electronic Village (BEV) in Blacksburg, Virginia, and surrounding Montgomery County. It addresses the questions of who is using computer networking for civic participation, what impact the Internet has on their involvement with other people and local community, and the design problems that citizens experience with local e-government initiatives. A pattern of Internet use is emerging in which local formal and ad hoc groups of interested citizens distribute information on issues of interest among themselves and use online tools to raise awareness and educate, and under some circumstances to deliberate on public policy. Modified tools are suggested to facilitate deliberation and to integrate citizen feedback more effectively into local government decision-making.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2nd Communities and Technologies Conference, C and T 2005
PublisherKluwer Academic Publishers
Pages19-40
Number of pages22
ISBN (Print)140203590X, 9781402035906
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Event2nd Communities and Technologies Conference, C and T 2005 - Milan, Italy
Duration: Jun 13 2005Jun 16 2005

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2nd Communities and Technologies Conference, C and T 2005

Other

Other2nd Communities and Technologies Conference, C and T 2005
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityMilan
Period6/13/056/16/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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