The Political Effect of the Internet

When Gutenberg introduced moveable type to Europe, it changed how people thought and acted. They could acquire knowledge at lower cost and from a broad array of sources. This gave them new ways to think, and their new ideas eroded certainty in institutions and authority. This first “Knowledge Revolution” led to centuries of political turmoil. Cyber technologies are having a similar effect, but at a faster pace and with wide-ranging effect. The internet changes how people think and interact. It has a measurable effect on politics. This project will look at how the Internet and the technologies that power transform society, business, and politics as people respond to new opportunities online—from purchases to dating—and change their behavior accordingly.

Writings on Cognitive and Political Effect:

A Short Discussion of the Internet’s Effect on Politics (January 2021)

Election Interference and the Emperor's New Clothes (February 2020)

Cognitive Effect and State Conflict in Cyberspace  (September 2018)

China’s Approach to Information and Influence (November 2017)

Select Publications on the Political Effect of the Internet:

Last Updated: February 10, 2021

The program would like to thank Michael Savvides and Chuyan Cheng for assembling this resource.