Using Your Online Democratic Voice
By Alexander Howes
Strengthening democracy requires us to engage in civil, informed online discourse. It is important to be conscientious about our democratic voice online. From choosing our news sources to engaging in online debate, it is important for us to be informed and engaged. This article provides strategies for using your online democratic voice.
Why this matters
A recent study published in Walrus Magazine, conducted in collaboration with The Samara Centre for Democracy and comprising of over 1000 participants, found that Canadians say political conversations online are angrier (48%) and less civil (50%) than offline political discussion. Further, nearly half (47%) of Canadian social media users say they stay out of political discussions out of fear of being criticized. [1]
The need to use your online voice to strengthen democracy during the current Covid-19 pandemic is even more urgent. A recent report from Freedom House finds that since the outbreak began, the state of democracy has grown worse and human rights violations have increased in 80 countries. [2]
Social media is intended to connect us and to be an extension of our offline civil discourse. If nearly half of us are unable to have these conversations, we risk undermining our democracy. The current pandemic has the potential to worsen the situation, which is why it is more important than ever to use your online democratic voice to engage with local and global discussions about policy and power.
Step One: Know your sources
The first step towards being informed and engaged is to know your sources.
The best method is to know the source of the content or reference you are sharing. Ask “where did I get this from?”, “what is the overall position of this source?”, and “what is the tone of this source?”. Think critically about what you are reading and what you may be amplifying. The Digital Tattoo Project has helpful resources for identifying fake news, including a recent guest post by Johnson Huang. [3] Take the Digital Tattoo tutorial and use the resources provided to teach yourself how to spot fake news.
Step Two: Explore alternative viewpoints
Perspective is everything when it comes to using your online democratic voice. That’s why it is important to observe viewpoints from a range of perspectives across the political ideological spectrum. Media Bias Fact Check is an excellent source for discovering legitimate news outlets based on their political ideology. [4] (Surprise: all news outlets have some sort of bias). Follow these outlets on social media and ensure you consume media from a diverse range of sources.
Step Three: Opt for fact over emotion
It can be difficult to convey tone through social media. Sharing information from reputable sources will signal to others that you have done your research and are not relying on opinion. Also, your content is less likely to be misused or re-shared out of context.
That being said, don’t be afraid to share your opinion. Social media is intended to foster discussion – just be sure to include facts to support your opinion. Overall, be courteous of other people’s perspectives. That leads us to the final point:
Step Four: Be empathetic
Now is an important moment for us to be empathetic. This involves seeing your content and references from other peoples’ perspectives. Think about how others will interpret your viewpoint and ask “whose perspectives and beliefs should I consider?”. Placing yourself in other peoples’ shoes will help create healthier democratic discourse. Remember that you can disagree with someone without resorting to personal attacks.
Overall, democracy requires us all to engage, particularly with those with opposing viewpoints. Use these strategies to strengthen your democratic voice and contribute to important discussions online.
So, how do you engage democratically online? Which sources of information do you trust, and why? How can or do you encourage your communities both on- and offline to engage responsibly in the democratic process?
Works Cited
[1] Staff, T. (2019, November 12). A Field Guide to Online Political Conversations. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://thewalrus.ca/democracy-a-field-guide-to-online-political-conversations/
[2] Gharib, M. (2020, November 10). Report: The Pandemic Is Not Good For Freedom And Democracy. But There Are Exceptions. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/11/10/930464419/report-the-pandemic-is-not-good-for-freedom-and-democracy-but-there-are-exceptio?utm_medium=social
[3] Huang, J. (2020). Guest Post: Fake News! Who Cares! Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/2020/10/20/guest-post-fake-news-who-cares/
[4] Media Bias Fact Check. (2020). Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/
Written by Alexander Howes
Edited by Samantha Summers and Rachael Bradshaw
Featured image Online Marketing Online, from Joseph Murcia used under Pixaby License
Thank you Alex for this. I need to know references for fact checking and this helps.
Here in the US civility when it involves political viewpoints is at a premium.
It’s us and them.
I am particularly concerned that there is a total breakdown and that there will be armed attacks and conflict in the weeks(s) to come. I pray not.
Please continue your message. We all need reminders.