Myths and Realities 19 Social Media: new democracy or mass deception?

With the rise of citizen journalism through blogging and Twitter we are often told that communication is more democratic than ever before; but has social media really disrupted the status quo in terms of power and influence? Is social media an instrument of modern capitalism and the political elite, or a tool for changing the distribution of power? What do we know about who has access to social media and how different groups are able to use it to bring about change? What new structures of influence have been formed and which old ones remain?

This event will explore the different forms of evidence around access and use of social media to debate these issues. Join in the discussion!

In partnership with Academy of Social Sciences and The Economic and Social Research Council