Potential Impact of Social Media and Data-Driven Campaigning on Democracy: A Perspective from Québec
Université Laval, 2020
18 Pages Posted: 19 Nov 2020
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
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