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This research project by the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Research Foundation examines the impact of internet search on elections in established and challenged democracies. It analyzes search trends, candidate controversies, and the influence of mass media. The study includes case studies from the UK and USA presidential elections, as well as the Italian and Egyptian political landscapes. It explores the citizen-centric approach in determining the search agenda and highlights the emergence of online political leaders.
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Google: The Role of Internet Search in Elections in Established and Challenged Democracies Research project hosted by the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Research Foundation Funded by the ESRC www.voterecology.com
Citizen-centricapproach • Determiningcitizen agenda by identifyingunexpectedsearchterms(i.e. scandals/controversialpolicies/social media events)
From Established Democracies to transitional States: A Cross Country Case Study (UK 2010 / USA 2012 presidentialelections) • Search trends & candidates’ gaffes on sensitive issues (2013 Parliament Elections campaign) • Berlusconi & mass media • Search trends: scandal of Oscar Giannino (2011 revolution – 2013 coup d’état) • Activism, protests and search agenda ESTABLISHED DEMOCRACY USA/UK CHALLENGED DEMOCRACY ITALY TRANSITIONAL STATE EGYPT
2012 Presidential election: media event Presidential TV debate (Candidates Abu al Futuh & Amr Mussa) Election (round 1)
Egyptian public opinion (2011 revolution - 2013 coup d’état) • Youth unemployment • Corruption • Relationship with Israel • Army’s involvement in public affairs • Application of Islamic law • Post-revolutionary Constitution • Liberal opposition leaders • Conservative parties (Islamic bloc) • Youth movements • Protestors and activists • Militaries Constant: Political Issues Variable: Political actors
The EgyptianSearch Agenda • Controversialpoliticalofficials reachhigher SV • SV for Egyptian martyrs = SV minorpoliticalstakeholders • SV of famousactivists ≥ SV of major politicalstakeholders
Conclusion • Political action ratherthanpoliticalideology • Decreasinginterest for traditionalpolitical structures • Emergingpolitical leaders active online and likely to influence search agenda • Potentialframework for fluiddemocarcy