The Guardian view on digital media: the case for better regulation must be made | Editorial
Over the holidays, this column will explore next year’s urgent issues. Today we look at the crisis in western democracy, Donald Trump’s victory and the role played by digital media
In November 2020, shortly after Donald Trump’s defeat in the US presidential election, Barack Obama observed that America risked entering “an epistemological crisis”. The prospect of Mr Trump’s return to the White House in January validates his predecessor’s premonition.
Mr Obama was talking about media fragmentation and polarisation: different segments of society existing in discrete information spaces; arguments no longer drawn from a common reservoir of facts; no shared reality, no foundation of truth. “Then by definition the marketplace of ideas doesn’t work,” he said. “And by definition our democracy doesn’t work.”
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Continue reading...Topics
-
Tech, Media & Telecom Roundup: Market Talk
Find insight on Apple, China Mobile, Palladyne AI and more in the latest Market Talks covering Technology, Media and Telecom.The Wall Street Journal - 1h -
Trump’s crypto embrace overshadows new EU digital assets rules
US approach to digital currencies will draw business from Europe, industry executives sayFinancial Times - 5h -
Richard Parsons, Serial Fixer of Media and Finance Giants, Dies at 76
Mr. Parsons’s lengthy résumé is a catalog of corporate emergencies at Time Warner, Citigroup and the Los Angeles Clippers.The New York Times - 11h -
Pep: City must use struggling Haaland better
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended star striker Erling Haaland and said the team must "use him better" to help fix his form slump.ESPN - 1d -
Two Former Blue Jackets Have Funny Social Media Exchange
Jakub Voracek & Mike Commodore have funny social media exchangeYahoo Sports - 2d -
New York vows to ‘fill the gaps’ left by Trump’s regulation rollback
Head of state’s powerful financial regulator could seek new powers to scrutinise banks and crypto groupsFinancial Times - 3d -
Highway Safety Regulator Releases an Eleventh-Hour Framework for Autonomous Vehicles
If the framework survives the Trump administration, it could provide transparency into self-driving vehicles—and could help consumers grow more accustomed to them.Inc. - 3d -
The Guardian view on the tenacity of hope: a necessary virtue in troubled times | Editorial
At a moment of the year associated with renewal and new birth, reflection on inspiring acts of solidarity and courage can point the way to a better future. In the introduction to a new, seasonal ...The Guardian - 3d -
I asked a 105-year-old when middle age starts: Her answer delighted me—and made me feel better about turning 40
Before I turned 40, Shirley Hodes, who was then about to turn 105, gave me her take on when "middle age" begins, and it was not at all what I expected.CNBC - 3d
More from The Guardian
-
Climate crisis exposed people to extra six weeks of dangerous heat in 2024
The Guardian - 5h -
South Korea lawmakers vote to impeach acting president two weeks after impeaching president – live
The Guardian - 1h -
Injured North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine has died, says South Korea
The Guardian - 1h -
Netanyahu warns Yemen airstrikes will continue after WHO chief caught up in airport attack – Middle East crisis live
The Guardian - 1h -
Nasa probe ‘safe’ after closest-ever approach to sun
The Guardian - 2h