(Cyber) Democracy, from Transparency to Citizen Participation: An Analysis of the Transparency Page of the Municipal Government of Porto Velho and the Governmental Fanpages on Facebook and Instagram

Abstract

This academic article analyzes the evolution of democracy, highlighting its expansion through digital technologies. Democracy is seen as a continuous process involving citizen participation, deliberation, and transparency, going beyond voting. Throughout history, different models of democracy (direct, representative, and participatory) have consolidated, especially after the French Revolution. In contemporary times, these models expand with the emergence of cyberdemocracy, which uses the internet and social media as tools for expression and social control. This new digital scenario favors greater interactivity between citizens and government, but also presents challenges such as digital exclusion, algorithmic manipulation, and disinformation. Digital communication becomes essential in the formation of citizenship and the political engagement of the population. The new public administration, in turn, is based on principles such as innovation, efficiency, and collaboration, promoting participatory practices with the support of technologies. A practical example, such as the "Prefs" page of the Municipal Government of Curitiba, demonstrates how digital tools can strengthen local democracy. To this end, it is essential to invest in the training of public servants, develop inclusive policies, and foster cooperation between the State and civil society, aiming for a more ethical, responsive, and democratic administration. This article analyzes the transparency portal of the Municipal Government of Porto Velho as a tool for accessing information, in addition to analyzing the participation of cybercitizens in keeping themselves updated on the social media of said Government, seeking active participation on these platforms.