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Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Democratic Processes and Citizen Participation

Author

Listed:
  • George Asimakopoulos

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Peloponnese, 26334 Patras, Greece)

  • Hera Antonopoulou

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Giotopoulos

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece)

  • Constantinos Halkiopoulos

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece)

Abstract

Background: This systematic review will address the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on democratic processes and citizens’ participation, which is enabled by such tools as social media, e-voting systems, e-government initiatives, and e-participation platforms. Methods: Based on an in-depth analysis of 46 peer-reviewed articles published between 1999 and 2024, this review emphasizes how ICTs have improved democratic engagement quality, efficiency, and transparency, but highlights key challenges and research gaps. Results: From this angle, ICT tools have great potential to nurture civic engagement and good governance through transparency. Challenges persist with the ethical and social implications of surveillance technologies, security concerns about digital voting systems, and the widening digital divide disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. The current regulatory framework dealing with privacy and misinformation issues is relatively weak, and there is also a lack of understanding about ICTs’ long-term effects on democratic governance. Conclusions: This review underlines the duality of the roles played by ICT as both an enabler and a challenge to democratic processes. It calls for regulatory measures to protect privacy, fight disinformation, and reduce the digital divide. Future research in this area should focus on the long-term effects of ICTs and how they can be equitably and efficiently integrated into democratic systems, with strategies aimed at maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

Suggested Citation

  • George Asimakopoulos & Hera Antonopoulou & Konstantinos Giotopoulos & Constantinos Halkiopoulos, 2025. "Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Democratic Processes and Citizen Participation," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-41, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:40-:d:1593641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ambra KOKAJ & Blerton SINANI, 2023. "The multi-level governance of the European Union: the role of the local government," Juridical Tribune - Review of Comparative and International Law, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, vol. 13(1), pages 32-42, March.
    2. Emiliana De Blasio & Michele Sorice, 2018. "Populism between direct democracy and the technological myth," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(1), pages 1-11, December.
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