How the Web Polarized Politics

Published: Nov 6, 2006
Updated: Feb 2, 2021
2 minute read
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Gerry McGovern spends the majority of his time focused on what he calls “the impact of the content revolution.”

As one of the worlds leading thinkers on the development and management of web content, McGovern is the author of several books, including “The Caring Economy,” “Content Critical,” and “The Web Content Style Guide.”

But lately, hes narrowed his focus, looking at how the Internet shapes government interaction with its citizens—and vice versa.

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He has consulted many government agencies in the U.S. and abroad on how to improve digital communications, and his latest book, “Killer Web Content” (A&C Black), is due out this December.

On the cusp of the mid-term elections, McGovern sat down with Online Editor Debra DAgostino about Web 2.0, government transparency and why the “Wisdom of Crowds” concept doesnt work in politics. What follows is an edited transcript of his remarks.

CIO INSIGHT: With all this talk about Web 2.0 and shared, open networks, why isnt the government more transparent and open to opinions of its people? Shouldnt new technology make it easier to gauge overall consensus on important issues?

Not necessarily. That is to say, it isnt automatic. Too many people assume that technology will naturally make things better. But technology is neutral. On one side it has the potential to create a better government, but twisted in another way, it can serve to threaten democracy.

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Debra D'Agostino

Debra D'Agostino is a seasoned technology journalist and online editor with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. She was part of the original team that launched CIO Insight in 2001, where she has held various leadership roles, including copy chief, senior reporter, and currently, online editor. In her role, Debra oversees content strategy and editorial direction, ensuring high-quality, authoritative coverage of emerging technologies, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Debra’s work has been recognized with multiple nominations for the Jesse H. Neal Award and several national gold awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. She has written for leading publications such as Consumer Reports, The Elite Traveler, Wine Enthusiast, and USA Today, bringing both depth and a critical eye to the evolving technology landscape. Her extensive career in business and tech journalism underscores her expertise in delivering accurate, trusted insights to IT professionals and technology decision-makers. Debra holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University, and she continues to contribute to the conversation on the future of IT and technology through her work at CIO Insight.

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