The digital MP or how I learned to stop worrying and love MP

Bibliographic Data

ID20207760
AuthorsMary Francoli (0000-0001-5707-2564, Carleton University, corresponding author)
Year2009
Volume10
Issue2-3
Pages215-225
Publication date2009-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Media Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1468-2753 • E-ISSN: 2040-0926
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1386/jmpr.10.2-3.215_1
OpenAlexW2075741535
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited5

It is hard to imagine life on Parliament Hill in Canada without the ubiquitous Blackberry. The device has become so common place that we no longer bat an eye when we hear its rhythmic buzzing or find its frenzied operators tapping away on its minuscule keyboard. It's just one of new technologies that have caught the attention of the modern 'digital' MP. Today, almost every MP has a website and we've seen increasing interest in experimentation with blogs, online consultations, e-petitions and various social networking sites. They have brought myriad changes and challenges to the functions of MPs and their relationships with constituents. This paper details how various information and communication technologies, or ICTs, are being used by MPs in Canada. It questions whether they are being used to enhance citizen engagement, for professionalization, or both. Ultimately, it is concluded that there are more opportunities for consultation, but few, such as Canadian MP Garth Turner, are embracing the potential for greater participation.Keywords: information and communication technologycitizen engagementinternetblogsmember of parliament

Sociology · E-Government and Public Services · ICT Impact and Policies · Psychology · Social Media and Politics

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