Promoting Democracy in the Digital Public Sphere: Applying Theoretical Ideals to Online Political Communication

Democratic debate has undergone a structural transformation due to the rise of Internet, social media and online communities. Scholars political communication have sought diagnose threat that these changes pose by theorising “filter bubbles” “echo chambers.” Responding growing desire on part policymakers react trends uphold democratic values, we draw empirical analyses discourse consider difficulties involved in this endeavour. Highlighting diversity detected studies digital public sphere, argue both theory analysis are needed promote ideals. Using Jürgen Habermas’s “coffeehouse model,” establish theoretical markers for desirable deliberative practice conditions under which ideals can be advanced. By focusing significance design user behaviour, suggest initiatives favoured