The Megaphone Effect: How Social Media Controls Democracy
From Let's Talk Democracy by Tina Johnson
February 3, 2026 · 52 min · Season 3 · Episode 2
About this episode
This episode explores the impact of social media on democracy and political polarization with insights from expert Lisa Schirch.
How does social media affect democracy? Are digital platforms promoting informed debate—or fueling polarization and conflict? In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy , host Tina Johnson and Lisa Schirch, Professor of Peacebuilding and Director of the Peacetech and Polarization Lab at the University of Notre Dame, explore the impact of social media on democracy, political polarization, and public discourse . We cover: How algorithms amplify outrage and extremism The role of misinformation and digital manipulation in undermining democracy Deliberative technologies that foster listening, dialogue, and civic engagement Strategies for redesigning social media platforms to support democratic resilience Perfect for anyone interested in digital democracy, social media ethics, civic engagement, and peacebuilding , this episode offers insights into how we can reclaim the digital public square. Listen now to explore the intersection of social media, democracy, and technology : Keywords: social media impact on democracy, political polarization, digital platforms and democracy, deliberative technologies, civic engagement, misinformation, online discourse, peacebuilding.
People in this episode
Host: Tina Johnson
Guest: Lisa Schirch
Topics covered
- social media
- democracy
- political polarization
- public discourse
- digital manipulation
- civic engagement
- peacebuilding
Keywords
- social media impact on democracy
- political polarization
- digital platforms and democracy
- deliberative technologies
- civic engagement
- misinformation
- online discourse
- peacebuilding
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Let’s Talk Democracy
More episodes of Let's Talk Democracy
- Inside Democracy: Where Systems Meet Real Life · April 14, 2026 · 22 min
- The Public Square Isn’t Dead: How showing up in our communities keeps democracy alive · March 31, 2026 · 9 min
- Can Technology Fix Democracy? Mobile Voting, AI, and the Future of Civic Power · March 17, 2026 · 51 min
- Reclaiming the Digital Public Square: Democracy, Social Media & Cooperative Tech · March 3, 2026 · 1h 10m
- Deliberation by Design: Rebuilding Social Media for Democracy · February 17, 2026 · 1h 7m
- It’s Been Emotional Whiplash Already · January 20, 2026 · 10 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Let's Talk Democracy podcast page.