Political Participation and New Technologies of Communication in Spain Cover Image

Partycypacja polityczna i nowe technologie komunikacyjne w Hiszpanii
Political Participation and New Technologies of Communication in Spain

Author(s): Oscar G. Luengo, Belén Fernández-García
Subject(s): Media studies, Politics and communication, Theory of Communication, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Internet; new technologies; media; political activism; e-activism;

Summary/Abstract: The consolidation of the Internet as not only a media outlet, but also a multifunctional platform, has put into question the traditional relationship between media and political participation. The latest political developments in Spain, such as the 15-M movement or the success of Podemos, show that new technologies increase the options for new and fresh ways of political activism. This study provides a diagnosis of the role played by new technologies of communication, particularly the Internet, in political activism in Spain. The results show a noteworthy dissemination of the Internet as a political information source, as well as a platform to participate in politics. In addition, the analysis suggests that online participation is a phenomenon more popular among young people, with high studies and located on the ideological left. This profile is similar to that of citizens who support the new political forces like Podemos and the different citizens’ movements which are demanding a reconfiguration of the democratic system in Spain.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 21-31
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: English