Academy of Ideas's video: Online politics: people power or social-media cesspit

Debate at Buxton Battle of Ideas festival on 5 November 2022. INTRODUCTION In a 1999 interview, David Bowie described the internet as an ‘alien life form’ that would radically alter society for good – and bad – by delivering unforeseen content and context. More than 20 years later, the internet is proving to be as disruptive as the Gutenberg printing press, giving access to seemingly infinite amounts information at the click of a button, and providing platforms to ideas and opinions beyond the mainstream. In the arena of politics, this disruption has meant citizens are no longer bound by the traditional channels of political discourse and delivery. Operating outside mainstream press and media structures, the internet has, for some, delivered a free market of ideas. For others, however, it has become a haven for conspiracy, misinformation and unchecked radicalism. The election of Donald Trump in the US was partly credited to 4chan users, while Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Labour leader was the result of young and enthusiastic left-wingers, supported by emerging online outlets like Novara Media, using the Labour website to quickly swell the Party’s membership. While many people welcome a steady migration to internet-based politics, others are concerned that online forums and platforms are awash with misinformation, radicalism and harm. In part, the Government’s Online Safety Bill has been introduced to stem this tide. But are such measures simply censorship of ideas that challenge the status quo? Has the rise of internet politics created a true marketplace of ideas, a democratisation of information and opinion, or is it simply undermining informed opinion, authority and expertise? Moreover, how do we assess the veracity of information we are presented with and reach a political consensus on the ideas we want to shape society in the real world? Is the internet changing politics for good, or for bad? SPEAKERS Callum Breese freelance writer Tracey Follows founder and CEO, Futuremade; author, The Future of You: can your identity survive 21st century technology? and Defending the Digital Self Jacob Reynolds partnerships manager, Academy of Ideas Dr Nikos Sotirakopoulos visiting fellow, Ayn Rand Institute; instructor, Ayn Rand University; author, Identity Politics and Tribalism: the new culture wars CHAIR Claire Fox director, Academy of Ideas