Title: Can Web 2.0 applications save e-democracy? A study of how new internet applications may enhance citizen participation in the political process online

Authors: Yana Breindl, Pascal Francq

Addresses: Department of Information and Communication Sciences, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 – CP123, B-1150 Brussels, Belgium. ' Department of Information and Communication Sciences, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 – CP123, B-1150 Brussels, Belgium

Abstract: Increased citizen participation is a core element of both Web 2.0 applications and the concept(s) of e-democracy. This paper proposes a prospective view of how the Web 2.0 can be used in the context of e-democracy. After a review of both concepts, the main perceptions of internet users concerning their political activity on the internet are highlighted by an online survey realised in January-March 2007. Various Web 2.0 applications are then discussed in the light of VEDELs axis – information, discussion and decision-making – in order to identify how they may enhance the implication of citizens in the political process through the internet.

Keywords: e-democracy; Web 2.0; emerging applications; citizen participation; social bookmarking; e-participation; online politics; information technology; communications; ICT; internet; survey; electronic democracy; political process.

DOI: 10.1504/IJED.2008.021276

International Journal of Electronic Democracy, 2008 Vol.1 No.1, pp.14 - 31

Published online: 16 Nov 2008 *