The Impact of the Internet on Politics: The “Net Effect” on Political Campaigns and Elections

Literature Review And Synthesis

A review of the literature from the period 1999 to the present shows the differing opinions and changing trends in assessing the impact of the Internet on the political process. The literature shows a general correlation between the maturity of the Internet and its impact on the political process. Where the earlier literature takes a more conservative view of the role of the Internet in politics, much of the literature written between 2002-2004 begins to show the growing influence of the Internet in politics. By 2004 and beyond, most literature describes the maturing Internet and the larger role it plays in the American political process.

E-government is the use of Internet technology and ecommerce to deliver information and public services to citizens, business partners and suppliers of government entities, and people who work in the public sector. There are three categories, i.e., G2C, G2B and G2G.