Mobile Democracy: mobile Phones as Democratic Tools

Abstract

The growing influence of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), in particular mobile phone technology, on many aspects of life has been noted, but detailed analysis of possible effects on politics has begun only recently. While the possibilities of e-voting are still being explored, the political influence of mobile phones can be noticed in the wider context of democracy, namely the building of networks, the provision of information and the mobilisation of activists. This article explores the evidence of mobile phone technology's effects on democracy and argues for its incorporation in future analyses of new ICTs and democracy and political participation.