Deployment of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in democratic states vs. authoritarian regimes: What difference does it make?

DOI: 10.5176/2301-3710_JMComm16.45

Authors: Len Shyles

Abstract: Can analysis of diffusion patterns of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) in democratic states vs. authoritarian regimes reveal systematic differences in how they are deployed? This study focuses on how political ideology may condition the way ICTs are deployed on the global level; it compares how political ideology may shape organizational and network features of digital media platforms in democratic nations vs. authoritarian regimes. Findings suggest that penetration rates for two of the ICTs studied (namely mobile phones and television sets) differ depending on whether they are deployed in nations deemed democratic countries or authoritarian regimes.

Keywords: Digital, Media, Politics, Technology