Potential Impact of Social Media and Data-Driven Campaigning on Democracy: A Perspective from Québec

Université Laval, 2020

18 Pages Posted: 19 Nov 2020

See all articles by Philippe R. Dubois

Philippe R. Dubois

École nationale d'administration publique - Université du Québec

Thierry Giasson

Université Laval - Departement de Science Politique

Eric Montigny

Université Laval - Departement de Science Politique

Date Written: September 30, 2020

Abstract

According to Garnett and James (2020), three fundamental principles are requisite in a democracy: deliberative opportunities, equal participation, and electoral management. All three are challenged by digital technologies. We take these principles as the anchor of our submission. Based on the results of our recent research focusing mainly on political actors and their campaigns in Québec and Canada, our objective is to present how social media contributes to changing elections from the perception of electoral organizations – candidates, strategists, and activists. How campaigning on social media using data-driven techniques affect their role and their actions? How can these changes impact elections and democracy? Have the main actions taken by the governments of Québec and Canada been sufficient?

Keywords: Micro-Targeting, Data-Driven Election, Social Media, Election, Campaigning, Electioneering, Canada, Quebec

Suggested Citation

Dubois, Philippe R. and Giasson, Thierry and Montigny, Eric, Potential Impact of Social Media and Data-Driven Campaigning on Democracy: A Perspective from Québec (September 30, 2020). Université Laval, 2020, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3703399

Philippe R. Dubois (Contact Author)

École nationale d'administration publique - Université du Québec ( email )

555, boulevard Charest Est
Québec, Quebec G1K 9E5
Canada

Thierry Giasson

Université Laval - Departement de Science Politique ( email )

Ste-Foy, Quebec G1K 7P4
Canada

Eric Montigny

Université Laval - Departement de Science Politique ( email )

Ste-Foy, Quebec G1K 7P4
Canada

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