Final answer:
Critics point to the potential for corporate and government control of online content as evidence that the Internet may not significantly enhance democracy, similar to radio and television's impact. While it offers opportunities for dialogue and reduced censorship, this potential is threatened by increasing control over content. The saturation of information and the shifting role of traditional media create a complex environment for political communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critics arguing that the Internet will not significantly enhance democracy, like radio and television before it, point to d) The potential for corporate and government control of online content as evidence. This criticism stems from concerns about the growing influence of commercial interests and governmental regulation over Internet content. Although the Internet affords opportunities for open dialogue and reduced censorship, this potential is threatened by the increasing control exerted by powerful entities. The rise of new and social media resources on the Internet, while contributing to political engagement and creating platforms for diverse opinions, also allows for the filtering, distortion, and control of information which can undermine its democratic potential.
The Internet has dramatically expanded media options, leading to an overload of information. This saturation could lead to news avoidance, suspicion, and fatigue regarding politics. Consequently, traditional media's role as gatekeepers is diminishing, offering opportunities for alternative voices and platforms, yet it also complicates how narratives are structured and disseminated, impacting political communication and public discourse.
Issues related to obscenity and undesirable content, as well as questions surrounding the regulation of certain online activities, highlight the challenges in maintaining free expression while ensuring protections, especially for vulnerable groups such as children. Given the diversity of online content and activities, the challenge for democratic societies is to devise a regulatory framework that respects freedom while addressing legitimate concerns about harmful content.