The Internet allows us to access information faster and in a greater capacity than at any other time in human history, especially when it comes to politics. We’re bombarded with commentary from politicians, pundits and other public figures on a daily basis, as well as, increasingly, opinions from our personal circles of friends, family and colleagues. The question up for debate: are we better off or worse off because of it?
Yesterday’s Intelligence Squared event tackled this question, among others, as four debaters took to the stage to argue the effects of the Internet on our political opinions.
Eli Pariser, the Chairman of the Board at MoveOn.org, believes the “personalization” of the web, especially by large internet companies, creates bubbles between groups of people–which leads to information gaps.
Eli Pariser: The Internet is Making Us Less Informed from Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates on FORA.tv
Evgeny Morozov, contributing editor at Foreign Policy, said social media sites actually help foster political discourse by allowing people with different political opinions to connect online.
Evgeny Morozov: Opinions of Friends Matter Most Online from Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates on FORA.tv
So what do you think? Does the Internet close our minds when it comes to politics?
Apr 18
When It Comes to Politics, Does the Internet Close Our Minds?
Politics
by Zain Iqbal
The Internet allows us to access information faster and in a greater capacity than at any other time in human history, especially when it comes to politics. We’re bombarded with commentary from politicians, pundits and other public figures on a daily basis, as well as, increasingly, opinions from our personal circles of friends, family and colleagues. The question up for debate: are we better off or worse off because of it?
Yesterday’s Intelligence Squared event tackled this question, among others, as four debaters took to the stage to argue the effects of the Internet on our political opinions.
Eli Pariser, the Chairman of the Board at MoveOn.org, believes the “personalization” of the web, especially by large internet companies, creates bubbles between groups of people–which leads to information gaps.
Eli Pariser: The Internet is Making Us Less Informed from Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates on FORA.tv
Evgeny Morozov, contributing editor at Foreign Policy, said social media sites actually help foster political discourse by allowing people with different political opinions to connect online.
Evgeny Morozov: Opinions of Friends Matter Most Online from Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates on FORA.tv
So what do you think? Does the Internet close our minds when it comes to politics?
Tags: Eli Pariser, Evgeny Morozov, Intelligence Squared US Debate, Internet, online commentary, Politics