Question

How do you think the Internet has changed how interest groups operate? Then, focus on these questions: Has the Internet helped some groups? Has it made others less effective? Why?

Answer 1

Interest groups are groups of individuals who share common vision and organize to influence policies by government. The various categories of interest group are include economic interest groups, single-issue groups, public interest groups, civil rights groups, professional interest groups, faith based interest groups, ideological interest groups, and government interest groups. These groups play an important approach for American citizens to participate in the political process. People join these groups generally to promote or protect their economic interests, to help others, for social reasons, and to change policy.

Internet has assisted in operations of the interest groups. It has helped in increasing the interaction with interest groups. With an improved communication, citizens may become knowledgeable and more involved, and perform their civic responsibilities with higher diligence. It alsoe changes the approach in which politicians conduct and political election campaigns, keep in touch with constituents, and forge alliances with individuals or other groups. It helped small groups with limited resources in the participation of political process.

However there are wide problems associated with the Internet usage. A substantial population proportion may not have access to the Internet, and even with increasing accessibility in the future, few people still may not be connected. Security is a main hindrance; thus holds the potential for material to be deleted or altered, or for specific viewpoints to get more 'airplay'. As an international medium for communication, the Internet can also dilute differences between political groups and populations, which may be considered as a threat to individual cultures