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Social media allows people to express opinions freely.
- (a) How can this strengthen democracy?
- (b) How can it weaken democracy if used irresponsibly?
Show Answer
In short:
The same freedom can strengthen or damage democracy - responsibility decides which.
(a) How social media can strengthen democracy
- More people can express their opinions, not only those with access to newspapers or television.
- Issues concerning the public get raised quickly and reach a wide audience.
- Citizens can question the government and demand answers, which supports accountability.
- It helps spread awareness of rights and government schemes.
- It supports the media's role as the voice of the masses.
(b) How social media can weaken democracy
- Fake news spreads faster than the correction.
- Misinformation can influence public opinion and create confusion.
- It can sometimes lead to conflict.
- People may form opinions on false information and vote on it.
Conclusion
- The same freedom that strengthens democracy can also damage it.
- What decides the outcome is whether it is used responsibly.
Revision: The same freedom, two outcomes
Used responsibly
more voices, accountability
Used irresponsibly
fake news, confusion, conflict
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Responsibility decides which way it goes
