How did the internet help strengthen democracy?

I wouldn't say that internet strengthens democracy so much as it is a sign of democracy. In free countries, the Internet is open whereas countries that do not have a democratic government, such as China and many muslim countries, the Internet is blocked or monitored. The reason for this is that the Internet symbolizes freedom - freedom of information, freedom to write and say what you want, freedom to talk to whomever you want...etc.