Keynote Speaker

We are already one quarter of the way through the 21st century. The commercial internet emerged over 30 years ago. Yet we are still uncertain what to do with it. Historically, communication scholars have believed that good structures for the exchange of information on public affairs are vital for strengthening democratic life. Before the internet, the roadmap was relatively straightforward: heading in the right direction was largely a matter of choice. However, since then, the rise of platforms, the deterioration of journalism’s business model, fake news and hate speech, polarised discourses, the consolidation of corporate monopolies, and many other dreadful developments have painted a much worse picture, making it difficult to see where to go next. Or is this picture merely another manifestation of idealised pasts? This talk will address the changing structures of communication in the 21st century, and consider the actual evidence for the terrible woes perceived by policymakers, scholars and concerned citizens. We will attempt to identify the real issues, their root causes, and effective remedies. At the same time, we must acknowledge that even the best structures will fail if powerful individuals and groups are determined to undermine them to advance their private interests over the societal ones.