Nowadays we live in an information age and the Internet has become in a
very helpful tool to make our life easier.
We depend on the Internet because we have created our world based in
this technology. For that reason, the US government is using the Internet to
get closer to its citizens.
One way to do this is making new information available, for example:
agency spending, text of legislation, government data, what papers are needed
to obtain a particular permission, where are the offices and what are their
office hours, etc. The goal of this is to try to be more transparent, allow the
population to follow the actions of their governors and make easier and more
comfortable to the citizens the transaction of their processes.
One advantage that the government uses the Internet is that now you can
download and submit all the forms and papers that you will need to transact
something. This is easier for the citizens and accelerates the process to get
what you are looking for. Also, through the website you can track the status
of your applications and pay for some services. For example in North Carolina
you can pay the taxes for individual income, sales utility, privilege license,
motor fuels, corporate franchise, etc. in the website of the State, this saves
your time because you can avoid be waiting in long lines.
Likewise, in the website of North Carolina there is a menu called
NCWorks Online where job seekers can look for jobs, find training and education
and elaborate resumes; while the employers can find and search market
information and find the candidates for some specific job. You must register by
creating an account and then you can begin searching the job information
according to your needs (city, address, salary, hours, etc.) In addition you
can know the occupation profile and details and the labor market analysis.
According to Smith, there are mainly three different ways in which the
citizens interact with the government:
*Data driven: government agencies post their data online and allow the
citizens to access it.
*Organized around new online platforms: the interactions are moving
outside the website, for example: blogs, social networks, email, etc.
*Participatory: the citizens share their personal views, needs and
problems with the government.
What do you think of
the governments that use the Internet? Have
you ever used any of these services?
Sources
North Carolina
government (2013). NCWorks Online.
Retrieved from < https://www.ncworks.gov/ vosnet/Default.aspx>
Smith, A. (2010). The Internet gives citizens new paths to government
services and information. Retrieved from <
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Government-Online/Summary-of-Findings.aspx>.
It's great if the government uses the internet to provide information to its citizens. By using the internet, people have more opportunities to connect with each other, and easy to find what they need. I use the internet to apply for jobs, email, course assignments, etc. Internet is really convenient for us.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the fact that we can take care of so many things online. When you work standard hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00 pm, it's very difficult to get business handled. In the past, in order to do even simple things, like getting a duplicate license, you had to take time off work and go stand in line at the DMV. Now, you can just go to the website and 'click, click, click'. I've gotten so spoiled than I get aggravated when I cannot handle something online. Life is so much easier not having to stand in lines for every little thing.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely awsome that Government use the internet. By that way, both can save time. In addition, when using online, it is easier to keep track on it. I had use internet for gorvenment purposed a lot. I think it is really convenient; by accessing with my tracking number, i can know how and where my case was when i applied for changing resident status in US.
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly convenient for citizens and the government when they put thier information online. I hate having to take the time to go somewhere to fill out a document or make a payment when it is something I can do online. This past year I paid my taxes online, it was much easier than having to mail a check.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great! I just had to get a new license and was able to order it online instead of having to go wait inline at the DMV which always takes forever.
ReplyDeleteI love this topic! I believe that all the government departments should use Internet to show citizens some basic information. Especially some service department like DMV and embassies. If all of the government service can
ReplyDeleteIf all of the government service can be done online then I'm sure it will benefit citizens a lot!
ReplyDelete