Disagreement and Democracy in the Era of Facebook and Twitter

• In Event: Children, Adolescents, & the Media Division - Research Escalator Sessions (Panel 2)

Abstract

Drawing on in-depth interviews and surveys, I examine how young digital activists navigate moral conflicts and disagreements that arise in civic life online, and explore the expressive moves and rhetorical strategies they employ to engage and persuade others with different opinions. In a democracy, moral arguments are unavoidable; or rather, the functioning of a healthy democracy depends on open debates around differences. When young activists run into arguments arising from moral or fundamental differences online, what strategies do they employ to navigate and negotiate differences in opinions? Relatedly, I ask how open-minded these youth are in terms of seeking diverse opinions and audiences, and whether they are willing to examine or change their own opinions on certain issues. How (if at all) do their own efforts at open-mindedness relate to rhetorical strategies they use in their online conversations?

Author

• Ashley Lee, Harvard U