An illusion of social connection that is created by para-social relationships is adding to the loneliness epidemic as well as the downfall of democracy.
Social Media and Democracy articles on Democracy Chronicles
This Social Media and Democracy section highlights the ongoing saga of how this new type of communications technology impacts the progress of free and fair elections across the globe. Whether social media brings benefit or harm to democracy is an area of heavy debate. Be sure to also check out our Election Technology section and our articles on Technology Dissidents, the Internet and Voting or Journalism and Free Speech.
On Religion, Authoritarianism and Technology
Once a lie goes viral, it is truth. Efforts to dispel the lie leave less of a viral imprint. We are basically a populace at the mercy of humanity’s impulse to lie and create outrage.
Facebook is Losing its Chance to be a Force for Democracy
Sarah Wynn Williams pitches her idea that Facebook has great power for good in the world, an idealism she eventually loses as she works in policy for Facebook.
On The Basic Problem of US Democracy
We are a tired and busy population trying to understand the news and what’s happening our world through the prism of our own understanding and bespoken realities.
Twitter Changes Boost Autocrats’ Digital Disinformation
Recent changes at Twitter have enabled authoritarian governments in Russia, China, and Iran to amplify propaganda and disinformation.
Rewards Get People To See Truth In Politically Unfavorable Info
People don’t carefully evaluate links for accuracy and that partisanship may be secondary to the rush of getting a lot of likes on social media.
Study: Media Can Reduce Polarization By Telling Personal Stories
Sharing personal experiences and pairing them with facts reduces political dehumanization and increases political tolerance.
Will Generative Artificial Intelligence Kill Democracy?
Experts draw attention to the role played by social media in the violence committed by Bolsonaro supporters on Sunday in Brazil.
How Brazil’s Insurrection Was Fueled By Tech Platforms
Armed with weapons, mobile phones and conspiracy theories, groups [that were created] on Telegram led Brazil’s insurrection.
Field Experiment Shows How Digital Advertising Affects Voter Turnout
Differential mobilization effects of even large digital advertising campaigns in presidential elections are likely to be modest.