Final answer:
Critics question whether the Internet will enhance democracy more effectively than traditional media due to similar challenges of ownership and control. Despite the Internet's engagement and activism potential, systemic issues like misinformation and the digital divide may limit its democratic impact. The proliferation of media sources may weaken traditional gatekeepers but also create new challenges for media's role in democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Media critics raise concerns about whether the Internet can enhance democracy more than traditional media have. They point to the similar challenges of ownership and control that affect both forms of media, suggesting limitations to the democratic potential of the Internet as well. Despite the Internet's role in citizen engagement and political activism, and its use in recent political campaigns to deliver targeted messages and foster real-time discussions, concerns about its democratizing effects remain. Traditional media's past success in promoting democracy and both traditional and digital media's effectiveness at doing so are considerations, but critics focus on the systemic issues of media control that could impede the Internet's potential. Furthermore, while the Internet and social media have significantly increased the speed of information sharing and the avenues for political engagement, issues like misinformation and the digital divide may still hinder their overall effectiveness in promoting democracy.
With the explosion of media options, including social media, citizens now have more sources for information, potentially diluting the influence of traditional gatekeepers. The Internet has evolved from a text-based communication tool to one dominated by streaming media accessible on various devices, allowing for wider dissemination of content but also raising concerns about equal access and commercialization. The availability of new media is blurring the lines between different forms of media and allows for greater participation in the political process. However, it also poses the risk of reinforcing disparities in access and deepening the challenges associated with ownership, further complicating the narrative around media and democracy.