Can democracy survive the digital age — or is it already being rewritten by algorithms and Big Tech? 💻
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda dive deep into how technology, social media, and data are transforming — and threatening — the foundations of modern democracy. From election interference to algorithmic manipulation, they explore whether our political systems can keep up in a world run by code.
- 🎧 In this episode, Aparna and Harinda explore:- 🧠 How algorithms shape what we see, think, and vote for.
- 📱 The role of social media in spreading misinformation and division.
- 💻 How Big Tech platforms influence political power.
- 🌍 Global examples of democracy under digital pressure.
- ⚖️ What it takes to protect free choice in a connected world.
⏰Chapters
00:00 Rethinking Democracy in the Digital Age
01:28 The Role of Technology in Democracy
04:33 Manipulation and Micro-Targeting in Elections
08:29 The Impact of Algorithms on Public Sentiment
13:41 The Threat of Opaque Micro-Targeting
17:07 Geopolitical Implications of Democracy
18:57 Global Perspectives on Democracy
19:59 The Fallacy of Democracy in Developing Countries
21:04 Governance: The Spectrum of Democracy
23:47 The Complexity of Democracy: Beyond Elections
26:06 Accountability in Political Systems
28:33 The Dirty Business of Lobbying
32:31 The Purpose of Democracy: Informed Citizens
35:24 The Rise of Non-Politicians in Politics
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