Hindman talks about how the internet has changed political participation and awareness in the "public sphere". Anyone is free to share their political voice and opinion on politics on blogs or other internet websites. Even children can post "messages and images that can be viewed instantly by global audience". The internet is giving the voice of ordinary citizens to express ideas not typically seen on television. However, Hindman argues that the internet is providing too much "narrowcasting" and broadcasting will die out. In other words, the gathering and collective activity of "ordinary citizens" on the internet concerning political matters are "diminishing the role of political elites".
In my opinion, blogs are like personal diaries. So political blogs on the internet, like Hindman mentions, shares a lot of personal information and opinion. Whether these political blogs are actually taking away credibility from political elites is up for debate. Most of these blogs aren't even viewed by a majority of the people who follow politics. Millions of political blogs exist so for many to be overshadowed is probably very common. Similarly, as Hindman suggests, online-content, particularly blogs can "deeply misleading". Now knowing that, how a political blog would change someone's position on a political issue is hard to believe.
In terms of how blogs have given more democracy in politics is a point I definitely agree with. Although the content on political blogs may not be as credible as sources from a major broadcasting network, the political voices and ideas are there for people on the Web to comment and discuss. It may not have a direct impact on raising the democracy in political issues, but it give an opportunity for citizens to express and collectively try to make a difference.
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