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94 POLITICSYet, although the “new political machine” holds the
potential for a more democratized and decentralized po-
litical system, to date it has primarily reinforced preex-
isting biases in political participation and influence. The
Internet has not changed significantly the way we have
understood mass democracy for over 200 years (Bimber,
1999). Changes in the means of participation will con-
stantly evolve to match the most current technology avail-
able; anticipating changes in the number and type of peo-
ple who participate will continue to be an unpredictable
science.GLOSSARY
Collective action problem A situation where individu-
als choose not to work toward the provision of a public
good because the costs to them individually exceed the
benefits which they receive, so that no one participates
in the provision of public goods.
Deliberative polling A survey polling technique pro-
moted by James Fishkin, where poll respondents par-
ticipate in an open discussion for a period of time
before choosing options.
Grassroots lobbying Lobbying efforts that focus on
stimulating activities by citizens, such as formation of
local groups, letter-writing, and e-mailing.
Individualization The ability of an Internet user to in-
dividualize or personalize his or her news-gathering
experience. Also referred to as “customization” and
“personalization.”
Intermediary organizations Organizations, such as
political parties or interest groups, that stand in be-
tween the mass public and government.
Mass public Contrasted with elites, the mass public
comprises the vast bulk of the population.
Mobilization Efforts by organizations and individuals
to stimulate and encourage political involvement and
participation.
Modes of political participation The varied ways that
citizens may choose to influence government, includ-
ing campaigning, writing letters, joining groups, and
protesting.
Netizens Term used to describe “citizens” of an Internet
community.
Political elites Contrasted with the mass public, elites
are that segment of the population that is better in-
formed, educated, and interested in politics. Some-
times used to describe decision makers.
Political machine Tightly organized political organiza-
tions that tend to exchange benefits ( jobs, social wel-
fare) for votes; existed in many American urban areas
in the early 20th century. Also sometimes described as
“boss politics.”
Public good A good such that if it is provided to anyone
in a group, it must be provided to everyone in a group
(e.g., national defense, clean air). Public goods often
suffer from the collective action problem.
Rational choice Theory of individual action that as-
sumes goal-seeking behavior, while maximizing ben-
efits and minimizing costs.
Rational ignorance Assumption that some individuals
will choose to ignore political events, news, and the likebecause the costs of being informed exceed the benefits
from such information.
Referendum Election format where voters choose
among a set of legislative options; also described as
“direct democracy” and “initiative government.” Com-
mon in the Western United States.
Solidary incentive The feelings of belonging and com-
munity that accrue to those who join a group working
to provide public goods.
StickinessCharacteristic of a Web site that encourages
viewers to remain on that site.
Strong talk Theory of democracy promoted by
Benjamin Barber that encourages high levels of citizen
discussion, deliberation, and participation.
Social capital The web of social and personal relation-
ships that encourage participation in community and
civic affairs.
Town meetings Form of political decision making
where the members of a community gather together,
discuss options, and vote on alternatives.
Virtual community Contrasted with physical commu-
nities, which are defined by geographic space, virtual
communities exist in virtual or cyberspace.CROSS REFERENCES
SeeDeveloping Nations; Digital Divide; Electronic Com-
merce and Electronic Business; Internet Etiquette (Neti-
quette); Internet Literacy; Legal, Social and Ethical Issues;
Online Communities.REFERENCES
Aldrich, J. A. (1993). Turnout and rational choice.Ameri-
can Journal of Political Science, 37(1), 246–278.
Ariely, D. (1998).Controlling the information flow: On the
role of interactivity in consumers’ decision-making and
preferences. Ph.D. dissertation, Duke University.
Barber, B. R. (1984).Strong democracy: Participatory po-
litics for a new age.Berkeley: University of California
Press.
Bimber, B. (1998). The Internet and political transforma-
tion: Populism, community, and accelerated pluralism.
Polity, 31(1), 133–160.
Bimber, B. (1999). Information and the evolution of rep-
resentative democracy in America: FromThe Federalist
to the Internet. Unpublished manuscript, Department
of Political Science, University of California, Santa
Barbara.
Bimber, B. (2002).Information and American democracy.
New York: Cambridge University Press.
Chiu, L. (2000, March 25). Record primary turnout; Dem’s
vote attracted across racial lines.The Arizona Republic,
p. B1.
Corrado, A. (2000).Campaigning in cyberspace.Washing-
ton, DC: The Aspen Institute.
Davis, R. (1999).The web of politics. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Fishkin, J. (1991). Democracy and deliberation. New
Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Gibson, R. K., and Ward, S. (1998). U.K. political parties
and the Internet: “Politics as usual” in the new media?