The discussion of The Fragile Strength of Democracy in the 21st Century
The Fragile Strength of Democracy in the 21st Century Democracy is under attack and turbocharged in our day and age. The basic underpinnings of democratic governance are at risk due to new vulnerabilities brought about by the same digital tools that make it possible for previously unheard-of levels of political participation. Technology is only one aspect of this; another is how we must reimagine democratic institutions for a time when false information travels more quickly than the truth and connections frequently lead to conflict rather than harmony. The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Politics Remember when social media promised to democratize discourse? For a brief moment during the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, it seemed digital platforms would empower people against authoritarian regimes. Twitter feeds became protest bulletins; Facebook groups turned into organizing hubs. But the revolution was hacked. Today, these same tools spread disinformation faster than fact...