Government Intervention of Group Polarization
Cass Sunstein’s article The Daily We: Is the Internet really a blessing for democracy? raises the issue that the Internet’s power to allow users to filter what they experience and absorb will cause increase degrees of group polarization. Eventually it will become so prevalent that there will be a legislative need on behalf of government “to promote exposure to materials, topics, and positions that people would not have chosen in advance, or at least enough exposure to produce a degree of understanding and curiosity.”
From the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we drift into sleep at night, we are exposed to ideas that we do not agree with. It is inevitable. We are constantly exposed to different points of view through mass media, at the water cooler, in the cafeteria, and at the dinner table; many of us actually spend some of our recreational time indulging in media solely dedicated to debating diverse points of view. There is so much exposure to the discussion of different ideas that it’s a blessing to find radio stations, websites, and books dedicated to those beliefs that we hold dear. It’s a way for us to know that we’re not alone with regards to our interests and values. There’s no need for government intervention of group polarization; as long as our world is not physically limited to our living rooms, there is a plethora of different ideas that we experience, ponder, and respond to each day.
2 Comments:
I agree with your assessment of Sunstein. We are bombarded with messages and information all day, every day, in ways that would have been unimaginable a very short time ago. I find it amazing that in the midst of this data overload, Sunstein believes that Internet users can create their own little bubbles to live inside. I think it is exactly the opposite, without some type of filter people are exposed to so much information that they can focus on none of it.
For one, I wonder who Sunstein would expect to institute such a form of government intervention. Polarization benefits both major parties and is a key tool used for mobilization and GOTV.
However, that assumes that Sunstein's initial claim that the internet propogates this polarization, and I am not sure that this is completely accurate.
Certainly, if you are a liberal, you can go online and find a plethora of sites that bash Bush and make you feel better about yourself. If you are a conservative, there are equally as many sites you can visit to read about how the liberal media hates America.
But, you can also find sources of real information that do something the mainstream conflict obsessed media often neglects to, tell the truth and provide real discussion.
Post a Comment
<< Home