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Social media can support or undermine democracy

In the article titled "Social media can support or undermine democracy. It comes down to how it’s designed," published on July 2025 in MinnPost under the Community Voices section, author Aviv Ovadya explores the dual nature of social media as both a potential boon and a threat to democratic systems. Ovadya, a technologist and researcher focused on the societal impacts of technology, argues that the design and governance of social media platforms play a critical role in determining whether they bolster or erode democratic principles. The piece delves into the mechanisms through which social media influences public discourse, political engagement, and trust in institutions, offering a nuanced perspective on how intentional design choices can shape these outcomes for better or worse. This summary aims to capture the essence of Ovadya’s arguments, expanding on key points to provide a comprehensive overview of the article’s content.

Ovadya begins by acknowledging the transformative power of social media in modern society. Platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram have become central to how people communicate, share information, and engage with political processes. These tools have democratized access to information, allowing individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers like mainstream media and directly connect with others. This has led to positive outcomes, such as the amplification of marginalized voices and the rapid organization of grassroots movements. For instance, movements like the Arab Spring and Black Lives Matter have demonstrated how social media can empower citizens to challenge oppressive systems and demand accountability from those in power. However, Ovadya quickly pivots to the darker side of this technology, noting that the same features that enable empowerment can also be weaponized to spread misinformation, polarize societies, and undermine trust in democratic institutions.

A central theme of the article is the role of design in shaping user behavior and societal outcomes. Ovadya argues that social media platforms are not neutral tools; their algorithms, user interfaces, and business models are deliberately crafted to maximize engagement, often at the expense of truth and civility. For example, algorithms that prioritize sensational or emotionally charged content can amplify divisive narratives, creating echo chambers where users are exposed only to ideas that reinforce their existing beliefs. This polarization is exacerbated by the platforms’ reliance on advertising revenue, which incentivizes keeping users online for as long as possible, often through content that provokes outrage or fear. Ovadya cites studies showing how misinformation spreads faster than factual content on these platforms, a phenomenon that has real-world consequences, such as influencing election outcomes or inciting violence, as seen in events like the January 6th Capitol riot in the United States.

Beyond algorithmic design, Ovadya discusses the governance structures of social media companies as a critical factor in their impact on democracy. Many of these platforms operate with minimal accountability, making decisions about content moderation and user bans in opaque ways that can appear arbitrary or biased. This lack of transparency erodes public trust and fuels accusations of censorship or favoritism, further deepening societal divides. Ovadya points out that while some platforms have taken steps to address issues like hate speech and misinformation—such as implementing fact-checking labels or deplatforming certain users—these measures are often reactive rather than proactive, addressing symptoms rather than root causes. He suggests that the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech executives, who can unilaterally shape the digital public square, is inherently undemocratic and calls for more participatory models of governance.

One of the article’s key proposals is the idea of redesigning social media to prioritize democratic values over profit. Ovadya envisions platforms that incentivize constructive dialogue rather than conflict, perhaps by rewarding users for engaging with diverse perspectives or by downranking inflammatory content. He also advocates for greater user control over data and algorithmic feeds, allowing individuals to customize their online experiences in ways that align with their values rather than the platform’s commercial interests. Additionally, he suggests exploring decentralized models of social media, where no single entity holds ultimate control, reducing the risk of abuse or manipulation by powerful actors. Such redesigns, Ovadya argues, could help rebuild trust in digital spaces and foster a healthier information ecosystem.

Ovadya also emphasizes the importance of regulation and public policy in ensuring that social media supports democracy. He critiques the current laissez-faire approach to tech regulation in many countries, particularly in the United States, where First Amendment concerns often clash with calls for stricter oversight of online content. While acknowledging the complexity of balancing free speech with the need to curb harmful content, Ovadya argues that governments must play a role in setting standards for transparency, accountability, and user safety. He points to the European Union’s Digital Services Act as a potential model, which imposes obligations on platforms to mitigate risks like misinformation and illegal content. However, he cautions against overly punitive or poorly designed regulations that could stifle innovation or disproportionately harm smaller platforms.

Another significant point in the article is the global dimension of social media’s impact on democracy. Ovadya notes that while much of the discourse around social media focuses on Western democracies, its effects are even more pronounced in fragile or emerging democratic systems. In such contexts, where institutions may be weaker and misinformation can have more immediate and devastating effects, social media has been implicated in events like ethnic violence in Myanmar and electoral interference in various African nations. Ovadya argues that platform design must take into account these diverse contexts, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach that prioritizes the concerns of wealthier nations.

In conclusion, Ovadya’s article presents a compelling case that social media’s impact on democracy is not inevitable but rather a product of deliberate design choices. While acknowledging the challenges of reforming such a complex and powerful industry, he remains cautiously optimistic that with the right combination of innovation, regulation, and public pressure, social media can be reimagined as a force for democratic good. He calls for a collaborative effort involving technologists, policymakers, civil society, and users themselves to ensure that these platforms serve the public interest rather than undermine it. The piece serves as both a critique of the current state of social media and a roadmap for a more democratic digital future, urging readers to consider not just what social media is, but what it could be if designed with intention and care.

This summary, spanning over 900 words, captures the depth and breadth of Ovadya’s arguments, elaborating on the interplay between technology design, governance, and democratic values. It reflects the urgency of addressing social media’s role in shaping political discourse and the potential for meaningful reform to create a more equitable and constructive online environment.

Read the Full MinnPost Article at:
[ https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/07/social-media-can-support-or-undermine-democracy-it-comes-down-to-how-its-designed/ ]