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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Technologization Of Politics: The Internet And The Electronic Citizen, Charlotte Yun Jan 2015

The Technologization Of Politics: The Internet And The Electronic Citizen, Charlotte Yun

2015 Undergraduate Awards

Dramatic shifts in technology have transformed the structures of civic participation and communication in the latter half of the 20th century, and optimistic presumptions purporting the global establishment of “e-democracy” has become a commonly understood concept. But reality has failed to demonstrate this ideal and has instead proven otherwise: whether online or offline, it is politics as usual. This paper explores the ramifications of online platforms for political engagement from a critical perspective. The author argues that sustaining political activity online in “user-powered,” democratized digital spaces is ultimately fruitless without offline mobilization. While contemporary Web 2.0 platforms for political activity …


Facebook: Social Benefit Or Social Problem?, Ana Ruiz Pardo Jan 2015

Facebook: Social Benefit Or Social Problem?, Ana Ruiz Pardo

2015 Undergraduate Awards

The present study investigated the impact of type of Facebook use on well-being. Participants who spent time viewing and updating their own profiles were hypothesized to report higher life satisfaction and happiness than participants who spent time viewing other people’s profiles. Self-reported Facebook use and personality trait measures were also investigated. A total of 56 female students enrolled in Psychology 1000 at Brescia University College participated in the study. Participants completed six questionnaires (personality assessment, self-esteem scale, narcissism scale, Facebook use questionnaire, satisfaction with life scale, and subjective happiness scale) and were randomly assigned to one of three conditions consisting …