Social media has become the dominant source of information for society and is both a boon and a curse in its ability to strengthen free speech in general. This paper focuses on how social media negatively influences public debate with its influence on democracy in Western countries. It also makes recommendations on how to effectively address these risks that arise due to social media.
Highlights:
- While some scholars argue that fake news shouldn't be censored because it's a reflection of people's emotions, the study doesn't find this an conclusive argument in the face of fake news entrepreneurs who profit or propagate their ideology through such measures.
- The study also finds that most social media platforms' business models and construction unintentionally create echo chambers.
- In the long term, education and improving the e-literacy of citizens will limit the spread of fake news. In the short term, much bolder steps in the form of state-imposed regulation should be taken.