Models of Democracy

Sunstein- Republic.Com

Concern: The Internet contains fragmented communities; people will stick to their own kind through the "Daily Me" and become more "extremist" through group polarization.

Solution: People should link to differing perspectives to keep the channels of dialogue and democracy open.

Chander- Whose Republic?

Concern: The dominant group already has much more broadcasting power; marginalized groups may be drawn/compelled to assimilate to the norms of the ubiquitous "Daily Them."

Solution: Allow so-called fragmentation, as it may be a positive way to help marginalized people find community. Focus instead on the Digital Divide and making this medium of communication accessible to all people.

Sunder- Cultural Dissent

Concern: Individual voices in marginalized communities may be suppressed in an effort to maintain the integrity of the culture.

Solution: Recognizing that culture is fluid, allow all individuals to participate in the process of creating culture.

Kamat- Whose Semiotic Democracy?

Concern: The Internet best enables the relatively privileged of marginalized groups to speak for the community; these people may have an interest in maintaining the status quo and endorsing mass media.

Solution: Repair the digital divide, change social norms so that individuals in marginalized groups are heard, and create greater feedback from the bottom-up to hold mass media accountable.