In a testimony before US lawmakers ex-Facebook staff Frances Haugen said the social media company is destabilizing democracies.
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.
The Largest Autocracy on Earth
With over 2.9billion active users worldwide, Facebook is simply the world’s largest autocracy according to a recent perspective.
Facebook Said to Consider Forming an Election Commission
Persons familiar with the situation say Facebook has approached academics to form a group to advise it on election-related decisions.
Trump’s tweets on election fraud spread despite blocks and labels
Before and after the 2020 presidential election, Twitter censored some of Trump’s claims of electoral fraud. They spread anyway.
Social Media Giants Secure Afghan Users’ Accounts Amid Taliban Takeover
Social media giants have secured accounts of Afghan nationals so that they are not targeted following the unfortunate Taliban takeover.
Vietnam Arrests Four For Anti-State Facebook Posts
Four Facebook users have been detained by police in Hanoi and a central province for allegedly trespassing on state interests.
How Political Science Can Go Dangerously Viral
Given the importance of what political science studies, from democratization to genocide, a false concept escaping might be dangerous.
Egypt Targets TikTokers And Digital Dissidents
There is a contradiction between Egypt’s rapid development of the digital economy and state control of the media, with arrests of tiktokers.
Slamming Political Rivals To Go Viral On Social Media
Posts about the “political outgroup” get twice as many shares on social media as posts on people, ideas within one’s own political tribe.
Vietnam Introduces National Social Media Guidelines
New social media guidelines in Vietnam urge people to express positive things about the state. The rules enforce government control.