The impact of virtual communication environments on participatory process: A research on discussion events carried out a web based forum, a social networking site and a 3D virtual world

This study focuses on determining the democracy potential of technology-mediated discussion among citizens as a participatory activity. Within this framework, discussions regarding current public issues in Turkey were examined according to the types of media by using the rational and ethical discussion criteria of the Communicative Action Theory and Discourse Ethics Studies of Jürgen Habermas. A Web-based forum, a social networking site, and a 3D virtual world were accepted as investigative areas within the scope of this study. Techniques of quantitative content analysis, critical discourse analysis, and participant observation along with attitude scale were employed for data collection by following a mixed research paradigm. Findings suggest that the current public agenda of Turkey is discussed within the framework of thought diversity by the citizens gathered in the net-based forums. These discussions have the potential for democracy due to increased interest in public issues and the positive attitude of citizens in terms of discussions in virtual environments. In addition, discussions do not fully satisfy the rationalistic and ethical presumptions. Instead of actions leading to an agreement, competitive actions directed towards success are more commonly observed. Although it is difficult to put forward one of the media regarding suitability to deliberation criteria, Web based forum stands out in terms of justification and reciprocity whereas 3D virtual environment stands out in terms of the principles of discursive equality, reciprocity, and respect. Keywords: Participatory democracy, virtual communication, online deliberation