What happens to democracy when social media becomes the public square?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson speaks with technologist and civic activist Daniel Bingham about how platforms like Facebook and Twitter reshaped civic life — and how their ad-driven business models may be fueling polarization instead of healthy dialogue.

Together, they explore:

• How venture capital and advertising incentives shape online discourse
• The concept of “enshittification” and platform decline
• Why polarization may be a design outcome
• The limits of decentralization and the Fediverse
• How democratic governance could transform social media

Daniel shares his work building Communities — a democratically governed, user-funded social platform designed to align technology with democratic values instead of shareholder profit.

If you're interested in:

✔ Digital democracy

✔ Ethical social media

✔ Civic engagement

✔ Cooperative governance

✔ The future of online dialogue

This episode offers both critique and a practical alternative.

Explore Communities in open beta using the link https://communities.social/about/contribute

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support thoughtful conversations about democracy and civic life.

Social media was once celebrated as a tool for connection — but today, it often divides us, amplifying outrage and eroding public trust.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, I speak with Paul Bonifacio, a French tech professional turned social entrepreneur, about the role of platform design in shaping behavior, amplifying extremes, and influencing the health of our democracies.

We explore a critical question: Can social media be redesigned to support dialogue instead of division? Together, we discuss what it would look like to build digital spaces that prioritize reflection, accountability, and meaningful human connection.

Tune in to rethink the online spaces you inhabit every day and imagine how they could be transformed from engines of division into foundations for democratic renewal.

Key Takeaways:

• Division online isn’t inevitable — it’s designed into the platforms we use.
• Platform choices shape behavior, amplify extremes, and affect public discourse.
• Reimagining social media for dialogue, accountability, and connection is possible.
• Every user can play a role in fostering healthier, more deliberative digital spaces.

How does social media affect democracy? Are digital platforms promoting informed debate—or fueling polarization and conflict?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson and Lisa Schirch, Professor of Peacebuilding and Director of the Peacetech and Polarization Lab at the University of Notre Dame, explore the impact of social media on democracy, political polarization, and public discourse.

We cover:

• How algorithms amplify outrage and extremism
• The role of misinformation and digital manipulation in undermining democracy
• Deliberative technologies that foster listening, dialogue, and civic engagement
• Strategies for redesigning social media platforms to support democratic resilience

Perfect for anyone interested in digital democracy, social media ethics, civic engagement, and peacebuilding, this episode offers insights into how we can reclaim the digital public square.

Listen now to explore the intersection of social media, democracy, and technology:

Keywords: social media impact on democracy, political polarization, digital platforms and democracy, deliberative technologies, civic engagement, misinformation, online discourse, peacebuilding.

It’s only January — and the world already feels heavy. In the Season 3 premiere of Let’s Talk Democracy, Tina Johnson reflects on global unrest, domestic protests, and the emotional whiplash of watching democracy tested in real time.

In the Season 2 finale of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson responds to listener questions that capture the season’s central themes: fear, participation, trust, and the future of democracy. While acknowledging concerns about democratic backsliding and misinformation, Tina emphasizes the importance of curiosity and informed engagement. The episode examines why fear-based political messaging often outweighs facts, considers the responsibility of media and online platforms, and highlights respectful dialogue across disagreement as a practical way individuals can help strengthen democracy.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson speaks with Farzana Elhem Kochai, former Member of Parliament in Afghanistan’s House of Representatives (Wolesi Jirga). Farzana reflects on her journey into politics as a young woman and women’s rights activist, the challenges of legislating within a deeply patriarchal and unequal system, and the pain of witnessing the systematic erosion of women’s rights from exile in Norway.

This conversation explores accountability, ethical governance, the responsibility of the international community, and the critical difference between voices inside Afghanistan and those speaking from the diaspora.

Organizations Supporting Afghan Women and Girls

Afghan Women’s Educational Center (AWEC)

https://www.awec.info

New Afghanistan Women Association (NAWA)

https://nawa.ngo

Empowerment Center for Women (ECW)

https://ecw.org.af

Organization for Afghan Women Capacity and Knowledge (OAWCK)

https://oawck.org.af

Afghan Women Coordination & Promotion Organization (AWCPO)

https://awcpo.org.af

Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA)

https://aewa.org.af

Shahmama Organization (Geneva-based advocacy and leadership network)

https://shahmama.org

Hope for Afghan Girls

https://www.hopeforafghangirls.org

#AfghanWomen

#AfghanistanDemocracy

#WomensRightsAfghanistan

#WomensRights

#AfghanWomenLeaders

#TalibanAndWomensRights

#AfghanDiasporaVoices

#Democracy

Host Tina Johnson explores how authoritarian populism and the “crisis of perception” are challenging democracies around the world — from Hungary to Brazil to the U.S. She breaks down how fear and misinformation can undermine facts and democratic institutions, and shares how citizens can take action to protect democracy. A must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of civic life.

In today’s episode, host Tina Johnson is joined by pollster Doug Kaplan to unpack the complicated—and sometimes controversial—role that polling plays in American democracy. Together, we dive into how polls both reflect and shape public opinion, why they sometimes miss the mark, and how shifting voter behavior, rapidly evolving technology, and the national mood all impact what polling can—and can’t—tell us.

From surprising election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia to the growing challenge of reaching voters in a mobile-only world, Tina and Doug explore what today’s polling data really means, where it falls short, and why interpretation matters. They also look ahead to the 2026 elections and discuss how everyday people can use polling as a tool for understanding our political landscape and strengthening democratic participation.

How fear, media, and false prophets are reshaping democracy—and how hope can fight back. Host Tina Johnson speaks with historian Professor Thomas Weber about the global rise of authoritarian populism and the crisis of perception that’s shaking democracies worldwide. Together they explore how fear, media, and misinformation empower populist movements—and how hope, empathy, and truth can help restore trust in democratic systems.Together, they discuss:

Books:

• Democracy Erodes from the Top: Leaders, Citizens, and the Challenge of Populism in Europe – Larry Bartels

1. The Radical Redemption Model: Terrorist Beliefs and Narratives – Beatrice de Graaf

• Hitler’s First War: Adolf Hitler, the Men of the List Regiment, and the First World War – Thomas Weber
• New Book Release – Wenn Das Gestern Anklopft – Philipp Ruch, Thomas Weber

Articles & Essays:

• Thomas Mann, “Brother Hitler” (1939)

Videos & Talks:

• Beatrice de Graaf on Extremism and Democratic Resilience) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49GbozEgH8c

Courses:

Understanding Political Extremism: Hitler as a Case Study’, that people can take from anywhere in the world:

https://on.abdn.ac.uk/courses/understanding-political-extremism-hitler-as-a-case-study/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN23bZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvbIvoLlYXRKKqss6YA1D_ipKMNpcBWOzXUpXpx9Z-VQCuBiNJWjONBP2gZ0_aem_SlV9grcQJ_Sgd8N_sbshNg

Articles & Essays:

• Thomas Mann, “Brother Hitler” (1939)
• The False Promise of Populism – The Atlantic (or substitute your preferred article source)

A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the global challenges of modern democracy—and how hope, truth, and civic engagement can still prevail.

• authoritarian populism, democracy crisis, political extremism, media influence, Thomas Weber, Tina Johnson, let´s talk democracy, populist leaders, misinformation, democratic backsliding, political fear, extremism history

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson explores how protest movements—when grounded in strategy and clear demands—can protect and transform democracy. Drawing from her organizing experience during the People’s Climate March and recent No Kings protests across the U.S. and globally, Tina unpacks the power of collective action, how authoritarian leaders attempt to silence dissent, and what it takes to turn awareness into lasting political change.

Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to organizing, this episode breaks down the essentials of effective protest strategy, global democratic solidarity, and grassroots movement building.

#LetsTalkDemocracy #ProtestPower #ProtectDemocracy #CivicEngagement #TinaJohnson #NoKingsProtest #ProtestForChange  #DefendDemocracy #ProtestAndPower #CollectiveAction #DemocracyNow #Activism2025 #GlobalProtests #PeoplePower #StrategicProtest