Bayamlıoğlu, Emre --- "Depoliticization in the digital infosphere: when communication runs counter-democratic" [2017] ELECD 1209; in Prins, Corien; Cuijpers, Colette; Lindseth, L. Peter; Rosina, Mônica (eds), "Digital Democracy in a Globalized World" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 100

Book Title: Digital Democracy in a Globalized World

Editor(s): Prins, Corien; Cuijpers, Colette; Lindseth, L. Peter; Rosina, Mônica

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781785363955

Section: Chapter 5

Section Title: Depoliticization in the digital infosphere: when communication runs counter-democratic

Author(s): Bayamlıoğlu, Emre

Number of pages: 21

Abstract/Description:

It is the main postulate of this chapter that unlike conventional mass media focussed on content as a service, the commercial strategy in today’s social networking and media landscape renders communication an end in itself and thus significantly degenerates its politicizing effect. Accordingly, this brief text aims to address the burgeoning need for more critical and questioning approaches to the alleged democratic affordances of ICTs –seemingly through a more plural and participative communication environment. Considering the imminent moral, economic and environmental threats that humankind is facing, I raise the question whether our hyper-connected infosphere could help us build a collective awareness of the dangers ahead.