Social networks and democracy: threats and opportunities

On Wednesday, November 6, the Spanish Transition Foundation, Real Instituto Elcano and Atrevia, with the cooperation of Casa Árabe, are organizing this round table discussion in Madrid.

Since their use as a tool within everyone’s reach began amongst widespread audiences, social networks were originally seen as another success of liberal democracies, forming networks for connection and spreading opinions in a free, egalitarian, horizontal way. One decade later, with very well-known cases in which they have played a predominant role in political processes, popular consultations and revolutions like the Arab Springs, doubts are on the horizon about their use and benefits, as they may polarize political positions and place certain stances on an exalted pedestal. Are we living through a change in paradigm? Or is this just a change in scale? 

Three experts on communication, history and politics will help us analyze the threats and opportunities created by social networks: Mira Milosevich-Juaristi, a head researcher at the Real Instituto Elcano; Guillermo Altares Lucendio, editorial author at El País and a writer, and Manuel Mostaza Barrios, Director of Political Affairs at Atrevia.