Overview
Explore the impact of the internet on democracy in this thought-provoking panel discussion from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the challenges posed by the 2016 presidential campaign, which disrupted established norms and blurred lines between insiders, outsiders, and media types. Examine how the rapid spread of information and viral communication affects campaign dynamics and democratic processes. Investigate the potential for foreign interference through bots, trolls, hackers, and leakers, and consider strategies to combat information attacks. Analyze the internet's role in polarizing public opinion and creating filter bubbles. Discuss potential solutions to these issues and whether they are inherent to online discourse. Gain insights from experts including Farhad Manjoo, Nate Persily, Ron Brownstein, and others as they tackle pressing questions about internet sovereignty, monopolies, government regulation, and the future of democracy in the digital age.
Syllabus
Introduction
Three Questions
What are the Unique Features of the Internet
Speed of Communication
Fake News
Bots
Internet sovereignty
Monopoly
Government Regulation
Fake News Regulation
Challenges to Democracy
Media Information System
What the Public is Concerned About
The New Internet Economy
The Podesta Emails
What Can We Do
Information Warfare
Leaflets
Election
Back to the Future
Looking Ahead
Russias Response
partisanship and polarization
Taught by
The Aspen Institute