Political parties no longer function as the central disseminators of political information to the faithful. The parties used to serve as main sources of public entertainment, conducting picnics, torchlight parades, and political rallies. They also functioned as social welfare agencies, providing jobs, housing, and even food to the faithful in return for their votes. New telecommunications technologies have also helped give rise to single-issue politics, contributing to gridlocked government. The convergence of personal computers, television, satellites, telephone, and radio has enabled those passionate about single issues such as abortion, immigration, home education, the environment, or prayer in the schools to operate across state, county, election district, and neighborhood lines.
Geographical proximity is no longer a prerequisite for organizing political participation.
No matter where they live, people with the same views can be mobilized to action. Traditional sectional issues are evaporating. Instead, technology is redefining the very nature of community. But my view is that the truth lies somewhere between your position and Davis s. The Internet will benefit citizens primarily in areas where the cost of information is high.