#politicsinaus

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How digital citizenship and political engagement spark discussions (w5)

In the digital age, we live in now almost anyone can be classed as a ‘digital citizen.’ Digital citizens have a strong influence within the public sphere, shaping their skills and knowledge surrounding digital technology in a positive way to participate with the rest of society, whilst creating, consuming and sharing digital content. There are three main areas of participation in society which are to do with economical opportunities, democratic participation and inclusion in prevailing forms of communication. (Mossberger, 2008)

As mentioned in this week’s reading, it’s important to understand the mainstream influence Australian politics has on its audiences. (Vromen, 2017) Understanding these effects and tactics through digital technology/media is what helps a wide audience of Australians become familiar with “major changes in citizen-based politics in the digital age,” (vromen, 2017) this is especially prominent in advanced democracies. 

Nowadays most citizens engage with politics in “individualised” ways this can be done through online or offline forums such as “online petitioning, donating money, ad hoc volunteering of time, and boycotting…” (Vromen, 2017) Many citizens also used “digitally-based mechanisms” (Vromen, 2017) to engage audiences in politics, enabling them to have the ability to express their point of view through the public sphere. 

The use of hashtags has had a huge part in shaping the public through the use of social channels relating to politics and pressing social justice issues. Hashtags such as;

#Auspol

#MeToo

#ClimateChange

#ImWithHer

#ecofashion

#March4Justice

#BlackLivesMatter

#FreeBritney

These all demonstrate a call to action, engaging citizens and making them more aware of the effects these topics have. Platformization can also be considered a result of the transformation of social networks into social media platforms. Which is relevant to the ways digital citizens engage with content online or offline sparking discussions surrounding these issues.

Bibliography:

Mossberger, 2008, ‘Institution, Policy Innovation, and E-Government in the American states’, Wiley online library, URL: 

Vromen, 2017, 'Intro  Download Intro', 'Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement The Challenge from Online Campaigning and Advocacy Organisations' London : Palgrave Macmillan