Predictions for the Future
The future of the Internet and politics is extremely unclear. Internet technology is
changing at such a rapid pace that it is very hard to predict not only what its implications will
be in the years to come, it is hard to tell what it will be like a few months from now. In regards
to politics the Internet will definately continue to have a huge role. First of all, methods of
voting are coming into question and the Internet will be examined as a possible new method. The
future of Internet voting all depends on advances in security. The major questions being asked
right now concerning Internet voting is how secure is it. This can only be answered through
tests such as the one done in Arizona. I believe that within the next four year, by the next
presidential election Internet voting will be mainstream, however, I believe it will never fully
replace really polling. This is because there will never be a time when every person has a computer
and this will always prevent the complete change over to Internet voting. But I still believe
that Internet voting will become the norm. In our society today people are completely focused on
convenience and this is the most convenient way to vote. This system will also increse voter turnout
which everyone, Democrats and Republican, is in favor of. Internet voting will definately become
a common thing in the future.
Although, the future of online voting is foggy, the Internet will undoubtedly effect politics in other
ways. The Internet is providing people with new means of communication, that will effect the political
process. Because people can now access information at the click of a mouse, they are more informed
and will use their new found knowledge. The common web user will have more and more say in how
things are done. Politicians will need to listen more to the people because they will be more informed,
more organized, and more motivated. From now on it won't just be long time politicos invovled in the process
it will be internet educated average people. The Internet is providing people with more access to
politics and thus politics will be effected by more people.
Young people will be the most influential in the future of politics. As it stands right now,
teenagers and twenty-something adults are looked down upon in politics. They rarely vote and rarely
care about political issues. But that is all changing with the Internet. Because this is the age
group that is the most Internet savy they will have the upper hand in the future. I believe that
this age group will gain power and influence in the poltical process with their knowledge and use
of the Net. Younger people will be elected to positions and issues that effect young adults will
become more important. This process is slowly starting but it will continue to happen. Generation-E
will be the wave of the 21st Century in politics.
The future looks bright for the Internet. It will continue to effect our lives in ways we can't
even imagine. Politics are also a huge ascept of American life. These two systems will undoubtedly
be linked in this new century.
Last Updated: 3/15/00
Questions? Email hmh@stanford.edu