Democracy in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Ten propositions concerning the impact of digital technology on democracy itself can therefore be postulated comprehensively as follows: The present world can be considered as the age of opportunities to build a better democratic society: It is IT support for political parties, freedom of information, and direct democracy. But on the same note, it comes with its difficulties, for instance, fake news, surveillance, polarization, and cybercrime. This paper provides the critical analysis on how technology affects democracy and whether or not this kind of democracy is a positive or negative development. Based on the literature review of this study, the participation of digital platforms in political processes, the repercussions of e-democracy, and the measures needed for the protection of democracy are presented. The conclusions made in the paper reveal that digital democracy is a promising phenomenon but its advancement relies on the conducive governance environment, appropriate legal regulation, and the citizens’ participation in the democratic process to avoid the weakening of democracy in a context of digitalisation.