The role of social media in the evolution of the public

sphere

(please don’t be put off by the title. There are some pictures)

The Bourgeois Public Sphere

A theory developed by Jurgen Habermas

“An area in social life where people can get together and freely discuss and identify societal problems”

(http://records.viu.ca/-soules/medi205/habermas.html)

A private gathering, separate from the State

Crucial…..

Success of the public sphere depends on equality.

Can everyone access it?

Does everyone have a voice?

Threats…

Private interests invade the public sphere

Manipulation of messages

Public sphere deforms

PROPAGANDA

BUT…..

There may be hope….

(Social Media Hero)

Social media may facilitate a more perfectly functioning public

sphere

Few barriers to entry

Everyone has a voice

No geographical boundaries

The Public Sphere in Action..

PICTUREGATE

The official message was rejected

A separate discourse developed

In the public arena – ‘unofficial channels’

Separate from the STATE

The message…Market saturation – we no longer need to

listen to ‘the message’

If the private is to influence the public, they have to subject.

The message must be constructed in the language and ideology of the public sphere.

A protective public sphere

Citizen journalism.. Shaping the official discourse

BUT….

IS SOCIAL MEDIA ULTIMATELY DESTRUCTIVE TO THE PUBLIC SPHERE?

Increasing interference of the state

Nabbed from the public sphere?

Still vulnerable to advertising

We don’t know who’s listening..

They can keep tabs on us..

You need one of these…

Equal Participation?

Public sphere depends on speech, debate discussion

Does everyone have a voice?

@laurenfisher

www.lozfisher.com