Active participation includes the competences that citizens need to reach a level of awareness of themselves in relation to the environments they are plunged into, in order to take sensible decisions and participate actively and positively in the democratic cultures they live in.
Active online participation may prove challenging to some, as users must weigh the benefits and risks of speaking their mind, sharing their opinions and putting their views on display. However, users have the right to freely express those opinions and views as long as they are not impugning someone else’s rights and freedoms.
How does it work?
Online active participation quite closely follows the human rights and fundamental freedoms outlined in the Council of Europe’s Human Rights for Internet Users.
Access and non-discrimination
Freedom of expression and information
Assembly, association and participation
Privacy and data protection
Education and literacy
Information and content adapted for children and young people
Effective remedies and redress.
Motivations behind reasons for active participation may vary, but self-efficacy, appreciation and belonging may offer an insight into online behaviours. Many users want to participate in order to make a difference in their community (to show self- efficacy). Others may feel the need to contribute their knowledge and resources in online communities (to earn the appreciation of others). And still others may simply want to belong to that community and so they actively participate with like-minded people.
The truest test of a democracy is in the ability of anyone to act as he likes, so long as he does not injure the life or property of anyone else.
The truest test of a democracy is in the ability of anyone to act as he likes, so long as he does not injure the life or property of anyone else.