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1. 144d ago

   This is a very difficult question to answer. Social media affects democracy in many positive ways and in many negative ways. On the positive side, political campaigns, nonprofits, and advocacy groups …Read MoreThis is a very difficult question to answer. Social media affects democracy in many positive ways and in many negative ways. On the positive side, political campaigns, nonprofits, and advocacy groups can more quickly and efficiently spread their message to the electorate. Door knocking is a long and difficult process. With the new social media platforms, your political message can be spread to millions of people with much more ease than the political tactics previously used. It can be pretty much done in a single click. However, it is important not to gloss over the great deal of harm that social media has caused. Firstly, false information can now spread like wildfire across the globe. This has become especially apparent to many with the recent rise of Russian propaganda surrounding the War in Ukraine on platforms like TikTok. Foreign governments can spread stories around the globe to support their agenda and sow division amongst their enemies. Social media allows both groups and individuals to quickly spread information, knowingly or unknowingly, that is false and deeply harmful to the democratic process. There is minimal research done on many users parts which makes it easier for these stories to quickly spread like a virus. To protect democracy, these social media companies need to do a better job at allowing the spread of real and truthful information, while targeting and blocking fake news and propaganda. Read Less

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   1. 144d ago

      I totally agree with you. On the negative side there is also the fact that because of how social media works, a lot of the things you see on your feed are either rage-bait or confirmation bias. I mean …Read MoreI totally agree with you. On the negative side there is also the fact that because of how social media works, a lot of the things you see on your feed are either rage-bait or confirmation bias. I mean social media posts are designed to engage you and to get you to interact with the post, so the algorithm usually shows sensationalist polar opposites to get people to react. Neutral information just does not get that much engagement, so it is not pushed forward or promoted as much by the algorithm.
      I think. I have no proof 🤣. Read Less

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2. 144d ago

   Both, depending on the platform

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3. 144d ago

   In my opinion, social media has positively impacted democracy by promoting transparency and accountability in government, mobilizing people around important issues, and bringing about positive changes …Read MoreIn my opinion, social media has positively impacted democracy by promoting transparency and accountability in government, mobilizing people around important issues, and bringing about positive changes in society. While challenges exist, the benefits of social media for democracy far outweigh the risks. As social media continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the democratic process, and I am excited to see what the future holds. Read Less

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4. 144d ago

   Social media is a net positive for democracy because it is mainly used for people to interact directly with political figures and further enforce democracy. Social media is also a means for spreading …Read MoreSocial media is a net positive for democracy because it is mainly used for people to interact directly with political figures and further enforce democracy. Social media is also a means for spreading information and keeping the public informed; by doing this, the people are more involved in the democratic system of elections and laws. While I do believe it can also be negative, I think its positive aspects overpower the negative, thus making it more positive than negative. Read Less

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