The document discusses how new media and digital technologies have evolved political campaigns and the production of modern political culture. Political campaigns now use more consultants, opinion polls, and the internet to target specific audiences. However, some argue that these technologies amplify existing politics and do not necessarily have a direct impact on democracy. While new media may help overcome inadequate one-way political messages and engage new participants, there are also concerns about simplification of political content and potential to overwhelm officials. Technologies now allow detailed data mining and surveillance of citizens to predict reactions and ensure campaign success, but this raises issues around privacy and how information is actually used.

1. Digitizing the Social Contract: Producing American Political Culture in the Age of New Media By Philip N. Howard Department of Communication University of Washington