“Are they talking yet?” Online Discourse as Political Action

Abstract

We have been hearing for some time about the potential value of the Internet as a forum for dialogue (Schuler, 1996). Numerous publications celebrate it as a collaborative medium for dispersed learners. Further, it has often been suggested that its collaborative nature promotes discourse that is egalitarian and inclusive (Harasim et al, 1995; Hollenbeck, 1998); these qualities both feature in our understanding of a “participatory” and “democratic” social environment (Pateman, 1970; Barber, 1984). This being the case, we might reasonably expect it to hold great promise as the site for public debates on government policy. These debates have traditionally taken place in select groups, to which concerned members of the have little access. Decisions are made, documents are published and policies are formulated with little participation from groups or individuals outside of these select groups.