Expanding the Public Sphere through Computer ... - ResearchGate

CHAPTER 3. TECHNOLOGY & THE PUBLIC SPHERE 56
In his chapter titled, “The Computer as a Democratizer,” Michael Hauben (1995)
cites John Stuart Mills’ principles of democratic government: active participation
as a necessary principle of democracy, as well as the right of people to define their
will and the subsequent need for accurate information for proper decision-making.
He also notes that the citizens must prevent the government from censoring this
information and that the citizens must have free use of the means of communication.
Hauben (1995a) sees computers and computer networks as the solution to
implementing Mill’s theory of the liberty of the press, and suggests that the very
nature of Usenet communication facilitates this exchange of uncensored information
in the democratic process.
Hauben (1995d) notes especially Usenet’s feature of being controlled by the very
people who read and use the information. The people work together as a community
to regulate the space and to utilize Usenet in the way that most benefits
the community. Usenet discussion is uncensored and therefore many sides of an
issue are presented. Information is gathered from a worldwide community of resources
including the often less-heard, excluded voices. While communities form
around similar interests and opinions, individuals are able to make their own contribution
to a worldwide audience. Usenet communication, argues Hauben (1995)
satisfies Christopher Lasch’s call for public debate while also overcoming two
of the obstacles to participatory democracy cited by Mill. First, Usenet allows for
each opinion to be voiced and discussed without having the participants physically
sharing space and time. Mill argued that agreement would be difficult with many
voices offering opinions. Secondly, Hauben (1995) writes Usenet overcomes the
problem of immediacy: “Online discussions do not have the same characteristics
as in-person meetings. As people connect to the discussion forum when they
wish, and when they have time, they can be thoughtful in their responses to the
discussion.”