The Megaphone Effect: How Social Media Controls Democracy

How does social media affect democracy? Are digital platforms promoting informed debate—or fueling polarization and conflict?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson and Lisa Schirch, Professor of Peacebuilding and Director of the Peacetech and Polarization Lab at the University of Notre Dame, explore the impact of social media on democracy, political polarization, and public discourse.

We cover:

• How algorithms amplify outrage and extremism
• The role of misinformation and digital manipulation in undermining democracy
• Deliberative technologies that foster listening, dialogue, and civic engagement
• Strategies for redesigning social media platforms to support democratic resilience

Perfect for anyone interested in digital democracy, social media ethics, civic engagement, and peacebuilding, this episode offers insights into how we can reclaim the digital public square.

Listen now to explore the intersection of social media, democracy, and technology:

Keywords: social media impact on democracy, political polarization, digital platforms and democracy, deliberative technologies, civic engagement, misinformation, online discourse, peacebuilding.