Political Science Assignment: Cyber Threats and Democracy

This political science assignment explores the impact of cyber threats, particularly those amplified by social media, on democratic processes. The student begins by discussing their interest in the topic, citing concerns about how social media platforms can be exploited to undermine democracy. The assignment then connects this issue to political science by examining cyber conflicts and the role of information dissemination. The student analyzes an article by Edward & Taylor, which addresses the challenges of protecting democracy in the digital age. The student identifies the Conservative party as aligning with their views on internet regulation and proposes the creation of an Electronic Communication Privacy Act and other regulations to control the spread of disinformation. The assignment also defines democracy, relates the issue to democratic principles, and contrasts violent versus peaceful protests, advocating for the latter. The student references media coverage and its influence on public perceptions, including how false news and the neglect of certain social issues can undermine democracy. The assignment concludes by highlighting the importance of social sciences in understanding societal relationships and promoting change. The student provides references in APA format.

Running head: POLITICAL SCIENCE 1
Political Science
Name
Institution

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POLITICAL SCIENCE
Part 1
Discussion
1) I have chosen a discussion on the effect of Cyber threats on democracy. I have chosen
this discussion because of recent there has been a serious attack on computer and networks that
damage the social media platforms. Most of the people post things on social media platforms that
can lead to the destruction of our democracy. Some countries, for example, Russian also decided
to use social media to undermine confidence and faith in democracy in the United State. I gained
interest in this discussion because I wanted to know how social media can interfere with the
democracy of a country.
2) This discussion is related to political science in that Cyber threats can lead to cyber
conflict. The political science will, therefore, helps in finding out the causes of cyber conflict and
then come up with solutions that can help solve it. Social media is important in the society
because it allows people to access create, spread, and view information. Cyber threats can
interfere with the information being put on the social media which in turn destroy democracy of
the country. The message is distributed in this discussion is that the use of social media platforms
should be control so as to ensure that there is no destruction of democracy in the country
Part 2
1) I selected this article written by Edward & Taylor since it discusses the issues dealing
with democracy. This article also can help solve the recent issues that affect our democracy. The
social internet which should allow anyone in the society with access to create, spread, and view
information, has changed to a tool being used by both who defend and those who oppose

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democracy. What catches my attention in this article is how the use of internet has lead in the
creation of tremendous opportunities for many people especially marginalized groups but at the
same time, it has also resulted in the passing of disinformation as well as propagated by partisan,
ideological, geopolitical and commercial operatives.
2) The major political party that would support my personal view on how the internet can
be made to encourage democracy is known as the Conservative party. This is because the
Conservative party is against the use of the internet in spreading political news as well as
information.
3) I would create the Electronic Communication Privacy Act. This law will help save
democracy. This law will enable the Canada government to access the use of digital
communications for example information on public cloud record, social media messages, and
email. It will enable the government to control the use and access of the information that can
cause the destruction of democracy. It will also prevent the authoritative government from
interfering with the democracy of the country. I would also create another law that regulate the
use and access of information on social media platforms. This law will punish those who put
information on the internet that can cause the destruction of democracy in the country. This law
will investigate all the information being put in all the social media plateforms.
4) Democracy refers to a situation where the people select the leaders of their own
choice. It also holds that the leaders be held responsible for their policies. Democracy is made up
of four major elements: protection of a human right, the active participation of all individuals in
civic life and politic, and A rule of law. My issue relates to democracy in that by using the
internet, the people may participate in the election process, and attend political debates. In other
words, all the citizens will take part in democracy. Also, the internet as digital platforms is often

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being used by different people to weaponize information, with the aim of fostering unrests,
deepening social division and eventually undermining social cohesion and democratic
institutions. the growing communication and spread of information over the internet can
encourage democracy. Therefore, my issue is connected to democracy.
5) I think violet protests is a criminal act and not a symbol of democracy.
As for me, Peaceful protest works better than the use of violent protest. A violent
uprising is more physically dangerous and demanding and thus scare off people or participants.
Therefore, the use of peaceful protest is more effective than the use of violent protest. This is
according to some researchers who indicated that 70 per cent of peaceful protest succeeds as
compared to 30 per cent of violent protest. Peaceful protests and demonstration are the most
effective way of removing the dictatorship government in power. This is because the use of
violence also decreases the support of the public for an uprising.
6) The economic perceptions of the citizen can shape their economic and political
behaviour making the sources of those perceptions essential questions. Research states that
media coverage remains a core source and neither local or National newspaper seem to intensely
influence economic perceptions. Social media can cause the destruction of the democracy in that
some people may post fake news on the media thereby passing irrelevant information to the users
of the media. The false information on the media may also undermine democratic institutions.
The media news coverage may also neglect the issues that affect women in society.
7) social science is quite an importance in areas such as primary and social care,
business, and the justice system, among others. Generally, social sciences mainly focus on the
study of the relationship among people within society. Through social science, social workers
recognize the main significance of human relationships. They comprehend the relationships

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between individuals are essential vehicles for advocacy, equity and change. They enhance
relationships among individuals in order to promote and restore the functionality of customers,
their communities and families.

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References
Edward, G.& Taylor, O. (August 20, 2018). We can save democracy from destructive digital
threats. The Globe and Mail, 1-3. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-we-
can-save-democracy-from-destructive-digital-threats/