Online Political Discourse ToolsTelevised debates remain a key point in elections, during which there are vast amounts of online activity. I explore the issues and opportunities, using a design-led multi-stakeholder approach to understand both the audience and expert perspectives.
Research type:
My role:
NICK TAYLOR, University of Dundee |
Problem
While in the past citizens had limited opportunities to engage with political campaigns, today engagement is facilitated by social networking sites including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. However, research indicates deep-rooted issues with the use of social media for political discourse, including fake news, filter bubbles, echo chambers and trolling. |
Opportunity
Amidst growing recognition of the influence of online political discourse, we explore the issues and opportunities arising at this specific point in election cycles, using a design-led multi-stakeholder approach to understand both the audience and expert perspectives. |
Research aims
Using a design-led approach, this research aims to identify the opportunities and challenges for political discourse alongside political debates from multiple perspectives, involving both viewers and experts, including politicians, television producers and academics. |
Lessons learned
Where the viewers wanted more fact-based discussion, the experts felt that some debate “facts” were subjective; where the viewers wanted full identity discussion spaces and to break away from their filter bubbles, experts felt this may exclude the wider public. |