Here are two common ways of thinking about democracy in the online era. First, the internet is a liberation technology and will usher in an era of global democracy. Second, you can have social media or democracy, but not both.
https://scroll.in/article/1037511/is-the-global-decline-in-democracy-linked-to-social-media
On the positive side, we found digital media use relates to higher political engagement and greater diversity of news exposure. On the negative side, we found considerable evidence for effects such as fostering polarisation and populism, and reducing trust in institutions. The effects on trust in institutions and media were particularly pronounced. During the pandemic, digital media use has been shown to be associated with Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy.
We also found a strong and pervasive association between social media use and populism. More social media use translates into a greater vote share for populist parties.
Studies in Austria, Sweden and Australia have found evidence for an association between increased social media use and online right-wing radicalisation. Studies in Germany and Russia have provided causal evidence that digital media can increase the incidence of ethnic hate crimes.
Stephan Lewandowsky, The Conversation , Lisa Oswald, The Conversation, Philipp Lorenz-Spreen, The Conversation & Ralph Hertwig, The Conversation
16/11/2022