New special issue explores the challenges of "digital disintegration" in democratic societies
The rapid and profound transformations associated with contemporary media systems have severe consequences for democracy and public debates. Social media play an increasingly central role for political participation, especially among young citizens, and digital platforms have significantly changed how political parties operate strategically to mobilise voters and influence public opinion.
The latest special issue of Nordicom Review, guest-edited by Andreas Widholm and Mattias Ekman, addresses these challenges from the perspective of "digital disintegration" within democratic societies. Eight articles provide in-depth analyses from various perspectives, theoretical lenses, and methodological approaches. From political communication to citizen perspectives, the issue explores the impact of digital transformations on democracy and public debates.
"At its core is a breakdown of social cohesion, increasing audience fragmentation, decreasing trust in journalism and political institutions, and shifting boundaries between producers and consumers of information in an increasingly platform-based hybrid media system", says Andreas Widholm.
Three thematised parts
The eight contributions in the special issue are thematised in three parts. The first part explores disintegration within the context of political communication and is addressed through studies of changing party campaigning strategies, including data-driven campaigns, populist language use, and the development of politicised forms of news production.
From the perspective of citizens and platforms, the second part delves into the significance of alternative news curators, audience polarisation, and self-censorship within the citizenry along political lines.
Moreover, the third part examines deliberative norms connected to content moderation of user comments within legacy media, and the consequences digital disintegration has had on journalistic sourcing practices and source diversity over time.
"The eight articles offer valuable empirical insights, as well as new lines of thinking concerning democracy and digital disintegrative transformations in the Nordic region and beyond", says Mattias Ekman.
Widholm and Ekman summarise the main findings of the special issue in their introductory article: "Democracy and digital disintegration: Platforms, actors, citizens".
The special issue also includes a study by Ekman and Widholm on changing boundaries between political actors and the media during elections. Their contribution is entitled: "Political communication as television news: Party-produced news of the Sweden Democrats during the 2022 election campaign".
New special issue of Nordicom Review
Democracy and digital disintegration: Platforms, actors, citizens
Last updated: March 19, 2024
Source: Dept of Media Studies