論網路民主的理論與發展現況──網路民主是科幻小說？

Is the Digital Democracy a Science Fiction?

網際網路的發明的確加速了人類的彼此互動並促進溝通交流的便利。然而，網際網路是否促成數位民主的實現則是個引起爭議的話題。本文提出雙方的說法。前面兩節討論網路民主的願景和其理論背景－商議民主。第三節則討論網際網路所出現的病態以及達到完全商議的不可能。第四節則探究「數位隔離」是否存在，結果發現情勢非常普遍，甚至美國本身也有這種現象。最後，本文的結論是，數位民主的時代尚未來臨，不過，網際網路可以作為民主運作的輔助工具。至於網際網路要能發揮更大的功效，就必須面對「數位隔離」的問題尋求改善，否則數位民主永遠是個夢想。

Indeed, the invention of Internet has promoted not only the acceleration of human interaction but also the convenience of communication. However, whether the dream of digital democracy would come true is a debatable issue. This paper presents the arguments for the pro or against digital democracy from each side. The first two sections discuss the visions of digital democracy and its theoretical background -- deliberative democracy. Then, the pathologies of Internet and of deliberation are elaborated. Moreover, the ''digital divide'' is still pervasive and even exists within the United States. Finally, this paper concludes that the era of digital democracy has not come yet, and that the Internet can be used as a supplement tool for democratic process. In order to maximize the utility of Internet, we should improve the deteriorating conditions of'' digital divide''. Otherwise, there is no way out.