The Internet and Generalized Functions of the Public Sphere: Transformative Potentials From a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Almost since the advent of the Internet, there has been great interest in analyzing and understanding online communication from the perspective of public sphere theory. The question of whether the properties of the Internet and, specifically, social media actually contribute to the public sphere is the matter of ongoing and somewhat heated scientific debate. The aim of the article is twofold. First, we propose a hierarchical model of generalized functions of public sphere. On a theoretical level, we interweave different strands of thought on the public sphere, and the resulting model is more inclusive and less rigid than each of those strands on their own. We identify four generalized functions: identity building, agenda-setting, control and criticism, and deliberation. The Internet does not contribute equally to these functions and we evaluate the impact of the Internet on each of these functions as a diminishing marginal utility. Second, we empirically explore the plausibility of our model in a global comparative analysis with focus on the Internet. With the help of macro-level variables which indicate the structural preconditions for a public sphere, we identify the highest possible function of the public sphere for each country to which the Internet can potentially contribute. Based on this approach, future research can be contextualized: case-studybased research can plausibly articulate expectations regarding the impact of the Internet on the public sphere.

Taking voice and taking sides: the role of social media commenting in solidarity contestation

“…Others, however, emphasise the new opportunities provided by social media as a stimulus for agenda-setting, more inclusive deliberation, identity-building, and therefore also solidarity. Political debates are more civic, global, inclusive and accessible, and empower disadvantaged groups and pluralise the public sphere in various ways (Dahlgren, 2013;Rauchfleisch and Kovic, 2016). An uncivic online sphere, on the other hand, would be a major threat to established solidarity relationships.…”

Agenda-Setting zwischen Parlament und Medien

“…Einen Vorschlag, die Funktionen von Öffentlichkeit empirienah zu beschreiben, machen Rauchfleisch und Kovic (2016). In diesem Beitrag unterscheiden wir nach vier generalisierten und in einer quasi-Maslow'schen Manier hierarchischen Funktionen von Öffentlichkeit.…”

“…Dadurch, dass das Parlament in der Schweiz unter demokratischen Bedingungen operiert, wird eine der Öffent-7 Damit ist die eher politikwissenschaftliche Auffassung von Agenda Setting gemeint, welche nicht ganz identisch mit der kommunikationswissenschaftlichen ist. Mehr zum Konzept des Agenda Setting in Unterabschnitt 3.1. lichkeitsfunktionen nach Rauchfleisch und Kovic (2016), die Kontroll-und…”

The general problem of prioritization

“…One of the most important (metaphorical) places where people access information about the world is what is sometimes described as the public sphere [14], a loose network of public communication in which, ideally, rational discourse produces reliable and accurate information. Even more than that: Rational public discourse is, ideally, in and of itself a macro-level prioritization e ort.…”