Technology has the ability to diminish borders, lessen the time it takes to relay information, and bridge the gap between opposite sides of the world. The expansion of technology has called attention to the different experiences of citizens across the globe. It is possible the use of social technologies, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, can open a window into the contrasting social and political systems within different countries. In “Democracy in Cyberspace: What Technology Can and Cannot Do for Us,” Ian Bremmer discusses the “Freedom Virus.” The “Freedom Virus” is the concept that the use of modern communication will encourage the democratization of the world. Bremmer analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of modern communication
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The power governments obtain mainly stems from the collective cooperation of citizens to follow government policies and laws put in place. Many governments are unable to obtain full control over “the flow of ideas and information” spread by modern communication “across their borders,” which can contribute to their citizens being free to adopt new principles (Bremmer 41). The exchange of information over electronic devices can spawn ideas in many citizens minds that they can obtain new freedoms. The “Freedom Virus” is influencing the perception citizens have of the social and political legitimacy their governments possesses. Many citizens are realizing that if they are the main reasons governments have power, they should be able to demand change and it be enforced. Bremmer stresses that technology is only a tool in the scheme of citizens demanding change from their governments. Citizens choose to uphold the policies enforced by their governments, therefore the government would be worthless without the support of its followers. If government legitimacy comes from citizens, it should be the individual 's right to use communication technology to their convenience. A government 's purpose is it to protect the rights of its citizens, not choose which rights its citizens are allowed to
The power governments obtain mainly stems from the collective cooperation of citizens to follow government policies and laws put in place. Many governments are unable to obtain full control over “the flow of ideas and information” spread by modern communication “across their borders,” which can contribute to their citizens being free to adopt new principles (Bremmer 41). The exchange of information over electronic devices can spawn ideas in many citizens minds that they can obtain new freedoms. The “Freedom Virus” is influencing the perception citizens have of the social and political legitimacy their governments possesses. Many citizens are realizing that if they are the main reasons governments have power, they should be able to demand change and it be enforced. Bremmer stresses that technology is only a tool in the scheme of citizens demanding change from their governments. Citizens choose to uphold the policies enforced by their governments, therefore the government would be worthless without the support of its followers. If government legitimacy comes from citizens, it should be the individual 's right to use communication technology to their convenience. A government 's purpose is it to protect the rights of its citizens, not choose which rights its citizens are allowed to