About

I am writing this blog for EMAC 6361, Democracy, Governance, and the Digital Network, at the University of Texas at Dallas.

This blog will focus on the role the Internet in the hands of ordinary citizens plays in shaping and furthering Democracy, especially in times of crisis. As something we use every single day for mundane, routine, and even vain tasks, we often forget the powerful impact connection over the Internet can bring, whether that’s emailing a family member to let them know you survived an earthquake in your city, to posting pictures of the missing/found after a catastrophe, to organizing and reporting a national revolution. When the world is in a crisis, connection and communication over the Internet can bring organization and peace in a way not possible before this moment.

The other side of the issue is when the Internet is wielded to spread falsehoods and rumors, to confuse in a time of revolution or crisis, or even to actually plan and carry out an act of terrorism. The relationship between the good and evil acts made possible through connections in the digital age is very close, and often times, the “good” or “evil” label put on the act depends on the side of the aisle you are on. The Internet is not inherently good or evil, but falls somewhere in the middle, and we are living in that aisle, which direction we pick can determine the future.

As I explore the impact and potential that the Internet has to help or hurt in times of crisis, please feel free to comment and share resources and experiences.