Digital media – a threat to democracy? The evidence is piling up
www.mpg.de
Digital media are increasingly shaping the political landscape worldwide. A new replication study takes a closer look at earlier research on the influence of digital media on democracy and confirms worrying developments. Although digital media offer opportunities for political participation and access to information, they also contribute to polarization, declining trust in institutions, and the spread of misinformation.

Digital media such as social media, messenger groups or comment columns in online media have a predominantly negative influence on political processes. They can encourage populist movements, increase polarization and undermine trust in institutions.

  • NightCrawlerProMax@lemmy.worldEnglish
    5·
    3 days ago

    I think foreign countries take advantage of free speech, free press and social media to influence voters in a specific direction. China is one of the major players of this game without any downsides because they have high censorship with domestic replacement apps. All of the popular western apps and sites are banned as well.