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Some studies suggest social media enhances political expression, participation, and engagement, while other studies highlight its role in polarizing politics and spreading misinformation.
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The role of social media in democracy is a multifaceted topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Research has explored how social media platforms influence political expression, participation, and the overall health of democratic systems. This synthesis aims to present key insights from various studies on the impact of social media on democracy.
Facilitation of Political Expression and Participation:
Democratic Engagement Across Different Political Systems:
Positive Democratic Influence:
Challenges and Democratic Deficits:
Echo Chambers and Polarization:
Empowerment and Repression:
Local Governance and Participation:
Social media plays a complex role in democracy, offering both opportunities and challenges. It facilitates political expression and participation, engages citizens in political processes, and democratizes access to information. However, it also poses risks such as promoting stagnant political knowledge, spreading fake news, and creating echo chambers that contribute to political polarization. The impact of social media on democracy varies across different political contexts and can be harnessed for both democratic and illiberal purposes. Overall, while social media has the potential to enhance democratic engagement, it also requires careful management to mitigate its negative effects.
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