Estonia's Digital Democracy: Unraveling the Power of E-Voting and Media Representation in a Cross-Cultural Lens

This thesis explores a variety of media articles to gain a deeper understanding of how electronic voting (e-voting) is represented in media outlets. E-voting was implemented in Estonia back in 2005 as a revolutionary initiative for digital democracy. However, worries about the security and reliability of e- voting have remained, emphasizing the requirement for a thorough examination of media coverage and its influence on public opinion. The study specifically attempts to investigate how the media environments in Estonian and English-published media differ and approach e-voting. The research looks for patterns, biases, and underlying factors affecting public views by examining articles from various historical periods. A structure based on theory is used to give a conceptual lens for the study in order to answer the question at hand. Insights into the adoption and acceptance of e-voting within a social system are analyzed in relation to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provided by Davis (1989) together with other scholars researching the phenomena of e-voting. Multiple other aspects of e-voting are being examined, for instance, transparency and security matters, such as questioning the vulnerability of electronic voting. Moreover, different framing theories are being linked to the analysis. In publications written in the Estonian language, a pattern of hostility and techno-pessimism, especially around 2017 and 2023, develops. During that period time, in an effort to criticize the use of electronic voting, authors frequently highlight its drawbacks and issues. However, the analysis also provides interesting findings regarding the popularity of e-voting not only in terms of voter turnout but also in the way other countries view Estonia's e-voting. The approach also emphasizes how language and cultural environment affect the way technology is perceived. Estonian publications have a more hostile position toward e-voting than the English press does in general. The difference highlights the need of taking into account the influence of linguistic and cultural aspects in forming public opinion and trust in electronic voting. The study also touches on the crucial subject of e-voting security and confidence. The analysis shows that both English and Estonian periodicals frequently discuss security and privacy issues related to e-voting. In order to increase transparency and foster confidence, interviews with IT professionals, cybersecurity professionals, and government officials were done. This strategy is consistent with Magaloni's (2006) research, which found a link between fair elections and increased public confidence in the government. By placing a high priority on transparency in media coverage, the nation not only allays worries about e- voting but also promotes a favorable perception of the elections, e-voting, and general justice. The thesis comes to the conclusion that a variety of elements, including language, cultural background, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and transparency in media coverage, affect public opinion and trust in e- voting. Policymakers and electoral authorities can better grasp the elements that influence public views and faith in e-voting systems due to the research's helpful findings. Governments may promote more 2 confidence in the election process and support the effective introduction of e-voting by addressing concerns and implementing transparent policies.