DEBATE

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY 

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 INTRODUCTION

• This presentation consists of the debate on

the topic “ Is social media a threat for
democracy.  The presentation consists of
different arguments. 

• Social media helps in connecting different

individuals across the world in terms of
providing tools that helps in fostering the
relationships but also acts as a barrier to
keep the individuals from preventing to
display the ideas. 

• Social media can also have positive yet

negative impacts on the democracy, ahead
are some arguments to prove them right. 
 ARGUMENTS

• Argument #1
There are basic tools related to the Canadian laws that
consists of enforcement measures, spending
restrictions and disclosures and transparency rules. It
exposes the confidential details and this is not very
beneficial for the nation as it is challenging to ensure
the electoral integrity.  The emergence of social media
has a challenging capacity underlying the values and
also regulate online politics. (Margetts, 2018). 
 ARGUMENTS

• Argument #2
The social media platforms like Instagram,
Facebook and twitter have a toxic culture that
degrades the discourse of public and also helps
in promotion of the ideological chambers that
helps in increasing the hostility and
partisanship that of opposing the social or
political views. Harassment and bullying are
new phenomenon for the social media that is
because of maligned behaviors. It allows the
dissemination of the information (Loader &
Mercea, 2012). 
 ARGUMENTS

• Argument #3
Most of the social media sites have
that potential for influencing the
engagement that is needed for
hijacking the democracy that is
needed for influencing the
individuals in terms of thinking in
particular way. It has evolved as a
platforms for propaganda and fake
news that empower messages,
ideologies and voices. These type of
platforms are holding the hostage of
democracy rather than leading
towards equal and free ideals of
democracy for believing in the
support (Helldén & Gulliksen,
 • This presentation concludes three arguments related
to social media being a threat in terms of
democracy. 

CONCLUSION
• It shows that social media platforms consists of that
influence that influences the decision of the
individuals in the name of free and equal support. 

• It hijacks democracy and potential way of thinking. 

 REFERENCES

• Margetts, H. (2018). Rethinking democracy with social media. Political

Quarterly, 90(S1).

• Loader, B. D., & Mercea, D. (2012). Social media and democracy.

• Sunstein, C. R. (2018). # Republic. Princeton university press.

• Helldén, E., & Gulliksen, J. (2017). A New Threat to

Democracy. Examining the Democratic Implications of the Social Bot
Phenomenon. L2 Paper. Lund University.