While some media reports have suggested use of the Internet aided democratic revolutions in Arab countries, a new study suggests the Internet is beneficial only in specific situations.
Ohio State University researchers discovered the Internet expands pro-democratic attitudes in countries that already have introduced some reforms in that direction.
“Instead of the Internet promoting fundamental political change, it seems to reinforce political change in countries that already have at least some level of democratic freedoms,” said Erik Nisbet, lead author of the study.
“Internet use is a less effective means to mobilize citizens for democracy in extremely authoritarian countries.” Full story
