A internet como ambiente de comunicação pública : uma análise do perfil do Governo de Sergipe no Twitter

Abstract

The emergence of new information technologies and communication-ICT-opened the doors to a new, yet little-known scenario for communication, permeated by features such as speed, decentralization of production, the greater volume of information available, interactivity, low cost transmission, among others. In this environment, the relationship between new technologies, specifically the internet and political systems, generated in the last 20 years a significant literature that explores the potential of this interaction to create mechanisms for democratization and encourage the idea of easier access to the processes of decision making. Several studies have been conducted in order to ascertain whether and to what extent digital technologies influence the processes developed in the political landscape, helping to change the nature of the dialogue between governments and citizens and, consequently, increasing political participation. Adding to these researches that discuss issues related to the impact of the use of Internet tools in politics, this dissertation aims to address the interface between public communication and ICT skills. The purpose of this study is to evaluate specifically the communication made by the Government of the State of Sergipe in his official Twitter account prioritizes democratic valuessuch as transparency, accountability, participation and the delivery of public services through e-government tools. The corpus of work consists of 1,898 posts for the months of October and November 2013.Aimsto investigate if the public communication effected by the state government through the use of microblogging has shown characteristics linked to democratic values and the public interest, or whether, instead, the Government of Sergipe has used the platform just as a strategic communication tool, linked to undemocratic elements of the policy, such as construction and control of the public image of their managers.