2. Castells, M. (2007). Communication, Power and Counter-power in
the Network Society. International Journal of Communication, 1,
238-266.
This paper argues that politics and power relations has historically involved a
battle over values and ideas played out in the media.
The rise of new mass self-communication via new technologies provides
opportunities for non-institutional forms of social movements to gain influence.
Corporate media and mainstream politics recognise the power of this influence,
leading to convergence between traditional and mass self-communication.
Castells argues that the new range of digital media tools has led to a profusion of
horizontal interactive communication as people have built their own
communication channels such as blogs, podcasts and wikis.
There is growing use of these new networks to distribute content and to add an
interaction with the audience to traditional media, such as via internet-based
news media or cable tv that draw on user-generated content.
3. Obama 2010 Campaign
President Obama is known for using social media to gain votes and
more exposure. This played a crucial role in his victory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uvGaAs1Ge0
4. Continued..
Furthermore, castells argues that recent years have witnessed
growth in social movements. All seek to modify traditional political
and corporate power relations. Mass self-communication offers
enormous potential to continue with local campaigns whilst linking
to others who pursue similar issues but who are not geographically
proximate.
This has led to a new public sphere for institutions to battle for
power e.g. Professional journalists are no longer powerful
gatekeepers of political messages: new media provides a new
balance of power. These give new actors the opportunity set the
agenda, eliminating the role of editors.
5. The role of politics in the internet and
network society
Politics relies on the ability to influence the way that people think,
their values and norms; few institutional forms can exist based on
coercion and fear alone. Also it relies on simple messages
communicated to voters by mass media, especially television.
politics relies on news agencies to communicate simple and
memorable messages which leads to personality politics in which
the politician shows moral righteousness to gain popularity.
This leads to a new set of power relations which is fought over.
6. Ellison, Nick & Michael Hardey. (2014). "Social media and local
government: citizenship, consumption and democracy." Local
government studies 40.1: 21-40.
Article seeks to assess the role played by new forms of internet
based communication in UK governance.
Methodology revolves around drawing on surveys from all English
authorities on how the use of social media may improve
enhancement of local spheres.
The use of media by so many people means that people can
express preferences about policy making and provide them with
more choice.
This would help stimulate active citizen engagement in local politics.
7. Continued..
The article refers to politics and uses examples of political
campaigns by political parties to illustrate its points.
E.G. The 2010 coalitions plans of a Big Society in which
power would be transferred to local governing agencies
which was in stark contrast to Labours more controlled
approach.
Concludes by stating that the growing of social media as a
platform means it is critical to examine the role it plays.
8. References
Castells, M. (2007). Communication, Power and Counter-power in the Network
Society. International Journal of Communication, 1, 238-266.
Ellison, Nick & Michael Hardey. (2014). "Social media and local government:
citizenship, consumption and democracy." Local government studies 40.1: 21-
40.
