technoculture314-09

Jurgen habermas outlines the realm of ‘public sphere’ as a space in which members of the public can discuss and express their own opinions and ideas without any limitations or discrimination. The existence of public spheres are increasing throughout the society. Some examples include television, such as talk shows, and the radio. In particular, the popularity and the existence of public spheres in the digital realm is on a rise. Not only does public spheres allow us to express our opinions in the field of social issues, but they also provide a chance for democratic expression with regards to political issues.

The importance of freedom of speech and democratic expression in a country of democratic governing cannot be stressed enough. In reality, there are very few chances for the memebers of the public to express their thoughts and ideas. I personally believe that digital media provides the perfect route in breaching this barrier associated with the opportunity of self expression. Internet is not only easy to use, but it is also becoming more and more accessible. This allows people to express themselves without the restriction of wealth, ethnicity or gender.

On the other hand, there are the issues of censorship and ‘gatekeeping’ in the realm of public spheres. Although public spheres allow the freedom of speech, there will always be people that ‘over express’ their opinions to a state where it may offend and hurt other people. Therfore, it is important that there are ‘gatekeepers’ (such as the managers of a specific site)that controls the problems associated with this problem.

Resultantly, I believe that the existence of public spheres in the digital realm has a lot of positive aspects with regards to democratic expression and interaction. Nonetheless, it is important that the way in which we express ourselves do not offend or hurt others in any way and keep to what is deemed ‘moral’ by the majority.