Link between democracy and social media

The relationship between social media and democracy has been discussed many times – sometimes it supports democratic developments, sometimes it stands in the way. You may download online videos about politics to learn the impacts of social media to democracy.

Social media: Can be conducive and dangerous for democracy

The importance of social media was particularly emphasized, for example for the Arab Spring, in which democratic ideas spread via social media and then led to protests in support of democracy. Social media also received attention in the election campaign, both in Germany and in the USA. Here it was shown that social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. do not lead to more democratic decisions, but that opinions are specifically influenced and directed. So social media can be both: conducive and dangerous for democracy.

Advantages of social media

These are beneficial for various reasons. As can be seen from the example of the Arab Spring, there is generally greater freedom of expression in the networks than is often the case in other public spaces. Everyone is free to write what they want provided the networks are allowed in the respective country. These opinions are then public, which means that they are also heard. With influencers in particular, you notice that voices sometimes gain influence that would probably never have been heard without social networks. Anyone who argues well or can “sell” well can form the opinions of others and win colleagues. In addition, this spatial distance crosses national borders. Of course, there are also local associations, but social media basically enable exchange on an international level. This leads to a much wider view of the world and politics, which is good for democracy.

Disadvantage of social media

Marketing has developed around social media that hinders these democratizing processes. Opinion-making is carried out by deliberately disseminating certain comments. The advertisements and messages are received based on a certain algorithm, so that your own existing settings are confirmed or so that a certain view is spread and others consciously not. Fake news and bots also influence users because they provide false information or pretend that all freely expressed opinions were expressed by real people, even though only one program disseminates opinions and communicates with users.

The relationship of the networks to democracy is as complex as democracy itself. Media literacy can increase its democratic effects, as fake news, bots and also certain influencers can be better seen and the influence can be reflected. For enlightened users, social media are a clear benefit for democratic developments.

The politics of society

Traditionally, politics and society were viewed as opposites. This separation is rooted in the origin of the word “politics”. In ancient Greece, “pólis” was used to describe the city, soon also the public coexistence in the city, in contrast to the domestic community. The distinction between politics vs. Society has been maintained at its core for centuries. However, it is more fruitful to look at politics and society from a systems-theoretical point of view: society as a whole is a social system in which other subsystems have developed. The political system is one of them. Systems sustain themselves by creating their own elements over and over again. Social systems, including the political system, consisting of communication. On the other hand, there are policies that need to be followed before advertising pokemon fire red cheats.

Politics and power

Power is a kind of feedback loop, meaning it arises where obedience can be assumed. The system of presupposing and applying power is self-generating and self-sustaining, it is an autopoietic system. To do this, power must be continuously demonstrated, both through symbols and through the actual exercise of power. Because power is not stable, but transitory; it disintegrates quickly if it is not shown. Power, including political power, is influencing the actions of others.

There are three types of influence

Absorption of uncertainty: Whoever has power releases others from their duty to make decisions and to bear responsibility.

Positive sanctions: The prospect of positive consequences increases the willingness to obey. These include cash payments, but also such abstract things as gratitude or a higher reputation.

Negative sanctions: They are typical of the medium of power. In contrast to positive sanctions, negative sanctions usually do not have to be carried out – the threat alone is sufficient to exert pressure.

So power functions, among other things, on the basis of threatened negative sanctions. This also explains why it has to be demonstrated again and again and why it needs legitimation. The best means of power is physical violence – also in the state. As a rule, the ruler does not exercise this physical violence himself. He only makes the decision when and how violence is used; the performers are Police or military. Political power and violence therefore only enable the development of a differentiated social system.

This is How Rich Politicians Take Advantage of Politics and Government

Income inequality has captured America’s economic debate.

Indeed, the huge gap between the rich and everyone else has kindled pressure throughout the world, from Europe’s continuing Brexit crisis to this year’s elections. An excellent rebate in particular difficulty globally has not diminished the sense of loss among middle- and engaged-class residents of countries with great economies.

Here are five reasons identified by scholars of the subject:

Technology has developed the kind of work

The digital epoch produces enormous wealth for those with the abilities and training to take advantage, but it diminishes what statisticians call “middle-skill” tasks. Computer software and automated machines now fill roles — from administrative tasks to conventional construction— that once given middle-class wages for workers without even finishing college degrees.

Globalization

Competition from rising economies like China’s, combined with reduced trade barriers, have further reduced prospects for American workers without advanced skills. That has produced disastrous impacts for workers in sectors such as textiles, furniture and leather goods.

The rise of superstars

Finding firms such as Apple and Amazon can draw income across the world on a scale far larger than in previous generations. That generates great jackpots for those businesses and the executives who lead them, transforming the pay gap among high executives and the workers they employ into a chasm.

The dissolution of established labor

The percentage of workers embodied by worker unions has fallen by half, to just over 10%, over the last 40 years. That has narrowed their authority to negotiate for greater wages and advantages. That said, expect that they live in luxury – huge house, high-quality mattress Australia, to name a few.

Switching, and violating, the rules

Increasing capital gives political power, and it has supported business winners to extra reward themselves through government policies. The 2017 GOP tax cut provides an unbalanced share of its advantages to the most wealthy citizens of America.

Similar thing goes for policies at private organizations. Admissions systems at high end universties support the kids of donors and past graduates. As the latest scandal ensnaring famous entertainers and athletic coaches demonstrate, those who are wealthy can also buy illicit advantages.

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