University of Southern California researcher Jeffrey I. Cole is managing a multi-year study of the Internet's impact on politics and American society and he offered preliminary results in December. He wrote:
"The Internet will forever change the course and nature of American politics, probably in ways in which today's political leaders may not be comfortable because there are so many information sources and opportunities for dialogue online. The Internet is no longer a marginal force in American politics -- it is quickly becoming the central force in empowering voters . . . the Internet is providing a direct conduit through which office seekers can reach voters, without media gatekeepers sifting and interpreting politicians� messages. This issue raises many questions. While the Internet creates an open forum for delivery of information, it can be used just as easily for responsible campaigning or as a platform for political mischief and miscommunication. How will the growing role of the Internet shape the political campaigns of elections to come?
SOURCE:
Jeffrey I. Cole � Center for Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School:
http://ascweb.usc.edu/asc.php?pageID=388&storyID=74
http://www.digitalcenter.org/pdf/Center-for-the-Digital-Future-2005-Highlights.pdf
Mindshare background:
http://www.mindshare.net/news/2006/02/13/digital_future/