Is Social Media Killing Democracy?

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Many people blame social media, which over the last two decades went from something that barely existed at all... To the single most powerful tool for communication in history. But far less attention has been paid to where certain polarizing beliefs and norms began to gain a foothold online. And the answer turns out to be, in part, these small, strange and fascinating corners of the internet.

The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature.

Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.

This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.