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New Books in Sociology
The Internet, Power, and the Deep State: Zeynep Tufekci on Technology and Democracy Today
Feb 26, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Zeynep Tufekci, a New York Times columnist and Princeton sociology professor, delves into the interplay of technology, media, and political power. She analyzes how social media influences global protests and the growing erosion of public trust in institutions. Tufekci highlights the risks posed by unchecked technological influence, particularly with figures like Elon Musk impacting democratic processes. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance amid rising public health threats and the implications for American democracy.
46:20
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Quick takeaways
- The evolving relationship between social media platforms and political movements poses risks of censorship and potential support for authoritarian regimes.
- The decline in public trust towards health institutions since the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for transparency and accountability in leadership.
Deep dives
The Impact of Social Media on Protests and Power Dynamics
The role of social media in facilitating protests and influencing political power dynamics has evolved significantly. Powerful social media platforms have become aligned with governmental authorities, which complicates their perceived role as tools for democracy. Historically, such alignments have been warned against by scholars, as they can lead to censorship and support authoritarian regimes. The past administrations' embrace of technology as a democracy-enhancing tool reflects a lack of foresight about the potential for these same tools to be manipulated by those in power.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode