MobileActive08
Session: Mobile Tech in Citizen Participation
Note by Samantha Schwarer:
Two potential models for mobile technology to aid democracy - vertical (government down to people) and horizontal (peer-to-peer). These have different applications in different situations. Both are about information dessemination but they have different impacts and different 'rules'.
This is potentially a way to engage citizens more in policy-making, parliamentary decision-making etc. Are there any practical examples available of tools used to mobilize the views of citizens on specific issues? The example of the Phillipines is a good one - use of sms networks to mobilize people around change in government. Sms jokes were used to conscientize people.
Mobile technology can create a whole new level of possibilities for citizen participation that can go beyond what the internet offers.
Remember to use technology as a tool and not just for the sake of technology!
This is potentially a way to engage citizens more in policy-making, parliamentary decision-making etc. Are there any practical examples available of tools used to mobilize the views of citizens on specific issues? The example of the Phillipines is a good one - use of sms networks to mobilize people around change in government. Sms jokes were used to conscientize people.
Mobile technology can create a whole new level of possibilities for citizen participation that can go beyond what the internet offers.
Remember to use technology as a tool and not just for the sake of technology!
