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Once considered a boon to democracy, social media have started to look like its nemesis
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Once considered a boon to democracy, social media have started to look like its nemesis

An economy based on attention is easily gamed

The Economist
The Economist, 2017
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Editorial Rating

7

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Recommendation

Social media helped nurture pro-democracy protests in Iran, Egypt and Ukraine and have served as a vehicle for public discourse and participation around the world. However, the use of platforms like Facebook to spread fake news and target vulnerable groups with extremist political messages has given social media a more sinister cast in recent years. This in-depth article in The Economist argues that social media increasingly undermine democratic ideals and process, and discusses possible options for regulations to safeguard democracy.

Take-Aways

  • The virulent spread of fake news on social media has dampened free-speech advocates’ hopes that these platforms will help further democratic causes.
  • Governments and non-state actors use social media to manipulate public opinion and spread fake news.
  • Social media connect like-minded individuals with like-minded content, thus reinforcing preexisting political convictions and amplifying the power of fake news.

About the Author

The Economist is a British weekly news magazine published in London, UK. 

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