Politics and media in cyberspace: two explorations of the Internet's growing influence.

Chadwick, A. (2006). Internet politics: States, citizens, and new communication technologies. New York: Oxford University Press. 384 pages.

Cooper, S. D. (2006). Watching the watchdog: Bloggers as the Fifth Estate. Spokane, WA: Marquette Books. 355 pages.

The exponential growth of the Internet has been nothing short of astounding. Two recent books examine the ways in which this emergent technology has influenced two of our cornerstone institutions: our political system and our media system.

Internet Politics

Chadwick's work is a remarkably comprehensive examination of the online phenomenon and its contribution to politics. His book, however, is not just an exploration of parties and policies. He also acknowledges the very real political battles for control of the technology that allows the World Wide Web to function. He offers a compelling outline of efforts to control Internet development, of attempts by some governments to regulate the Internet, and of access that contributes to a very real Digital Divide. Whether or not it is intentional, the book conveys a sense of drama. There are those who wish to control this online commodity, yet the genie is out of the bottle--can anyone truly dominate this explosive force?

It is clear after reading Chadwick that the West takes the Internet for granted. Broadband access is exploding, particularly in areas of the United States. Political candidates use the Internet as a key means by which they may reach out to constituents. Community networks are exploding all over the Web, offering citizens an opportunity to engage in political debate online rather than in their local community center. The Internet allows people to find others of like minds, regardless of the political fringes they may occupy (as is demonstrated by the online organizing of neo-Nazi groups in Germany and anti-government militias in the U.S.). Chadwick points out this isn't surprising, given that "the most successful growth industry on the Internet is talk" (p. 97).

But not so fast. Vast regions of the globe are excluded from the online political frenzy due to issues of geography, demographics, and socioeconomics. Although more and more political players are reaching out online, fewer and fewer people are participating in the political process. Despite the buzz about politics in cyberspace, more people still watch television, which dominates the discourse by emphasizing style over substance and personalities over issues.

By offering balance and contrasts, Chadwick makes it clear that the Internet is still in its infancy. As powerful a tool as it might be, it remains unclear where the World Wide Web is taking us and the many ways it may be used in the political arena. This volume is quite versatile. For scholars it offers a comprehensive reference source about Internet history and influence. Chadwick's effective use of graphics, tables, and sidebars would also qualify the book as an ideal text for coursework, particularly at the graduate level.

Watching the Watchdog

Small portions of Chadwick's book make reference to Web logs (blogs) and the growing influence of their writers. Those wishing to know more about the phenomenon of blogs might find what they're looking for in Cooper's work. He contends bloggers have learned to harness their collective power as a guiding force for social change. Blogs are written by average people who transform into cyberjournalists to not only report on events or offer editorial opinion but to also use their online forums to call into question what they see as lapses in judgment by mainstream media. Cooper raises critical questions about the nature of blogs and the sometimes uncertain gatekeeping systems that filter information for accuracy.

The book's greatest strength comes from the enormous number of passages taken from real blogs. The bloggers' own words are used to illustrate Cooper's contentions, thereby serving as eyewitness testimony in support of the author's points. Cooper does not judge bloggers; rather, he lays out an explanatory framework by which the reader can judge for oneself as to whether or not such e-forums contribute to our sociopolitical structure.

Cooper's book makes a persuasive case that bloggers are, in many ways, bona fide journalists. At times, he maintains, bloggers offer coverage that can be considered superior to traditional media outlets. Noting the distortion of scholarly work in mainstream media, Cooper observes "oftentimes the blogger is more skilled in the interpretation of social science literature than the reporter" (p. 86). Bloggers have also exercised their power to influence traditional media outlets. The book examines the ways in which bloggers have called attention to reporting errors, such as Dan Rather's now infamous reporting on President George W. Bush's National Guard record. Rather's downfall was due, in large part, to repeated discussion and reporting of the matter on blogs. Although Cooper's purpose is to explore the role of bloggers and not to denounce mainstream media, his book raises a disturbing question: If independent bloggers and interested citizens can catch such errors, why can't established media organizations?

Some readers may be put off by what appears to be ample representation of conservative bloggers who rail against the "liberal media." Indeed, Cooper admits the Internet is by no means fair and balanced, and he acknowledges bias contributes to so-called "cocooning," in which bloggers wrap themselves in a singular perception and pay little attention to other points of view. In addition, a reader may find oneself wanting to know more about the people who post their opinions in cyberspace. Some explanation of the writers and their personal characteristics are offered, but the people behind the blogs--and their motives for posting information and opinion online--often remain a mystery. Finally, the degree to which media pay attention to bloggers remains questionable. Although examples are offered of situations in which bloggers influenced a change in media policy, it remains unclear the degree to which bloggers actually serve a meaningful watchdog role. One is left with the sense that bloggers pay more attention to one another than media do.

Despite these criticisms, Cooper fills a void by offering an interesting look at this growing source of Internet discourse. Anyone interested in citizen journalism, media reform, or our increasingly vicious political climate is sure to find this an enjoyable read.

W. Joe Watson (Ph.D., Kent State University) is an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Media and Communication at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. His interests include media effects, television news, and the social/ethical responsibilities of journalists.