The aim of this post is to explore and discuss the concept of the Internet as an ideal public sphere - defined by Holub (1991, p.3) as, "…a realm in which individuals gather to participate in open discussions. Potentially, everyone has access to it. No one enters in discourse… with an advantage over another". Over … Continue reading The Internet – An ideal public sphere?
Global Social Media: Case Study – China
Over the past few weeks I have started looking at social media and social interactions in a different light and already have found myself being more critical of its uses, Because of this, in theory, I will perhaps look at changing the way I approach the use of social media going forward. This image is … Continue reading Global Social Media: Case Study – China
Activism or Slacktivism – Digital Communities in times of protest
The role that social media and digital communities play in aiding activism & protesting has evolved rapidly with the rise of social media culture. Given the sheer enormity of the online world it is impossible not to see the benefits of utilising this medium - which is precisely why it has become the target of many … Continue reading Activism or Slacktivism – Digital Communities in times of protest
Politics & Civic Cultures
The evolution of politics through social media has been a rapid one ever since the rise to power of US President Barack Obama. Employing one of the top heads at Facebook as his social media strategist (Dutta & Fraser 2008) Obama was able to command a legion of young, impressionable voters to the polling booths … Continue reading Politics & Civic Cultures
