ESSAY
The internet: a threat to society and culture?
Conjecture: The Internet is already partly broken and we need to decide if it is an existential threat to human life and thought.
Hailed as a revolutionary tool to connect people and share knowledge, the internet has dramatically reshaped society and culture. It has transformed how we communicate, learn and entertain ourselves.
It also brought us industrial-scale disinformation, malware, deep fakes and terminally tedious arguments over the colour of a dress.
Those not distracted by the internet’s shiny new toys — seemingly a new one every week — are increasingly disturbed by its darker aspects — ranging from the distortion of political discourse to harmful impact on mental health. So while acknowledging the internet’s undeniable benefits, it is time to admit that it is increasingly becoming ‘broken’ in significant ways, posing substantial threats to society and culture?
Political debate
Let’s start with the manipulation of political discourse. In theory, the internet should be an ideal platform for open, democratic discussion, allowing diverse voices to be heard. However, in practice, the internet often amplifies extreme views, spreads misinformation and distorts political debate.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become key players in this problem. Their algorithms are designed to maximise user engagement, which often means promoting content that is sensational, polarising or emotionally charged. As a result, false or misleading information spreads more quickly and widely than factual reporting. For example, during the 2016 US presidential election, ‘fake news; stories spread across social media platforms, influencing voters and exacerbating divisions. Russia’s use of social media to manipulate public opinion during this period is a widely cited example of how external actors can exploit these platforms to disrupt democratic processes.
This manipulation of political discourse is not confined to elections. The rise of ‘echo chambers’ has also contributed to a more divided society. In an echo chamber, users are primarily exposed to opinions and information that reinforce their existing beliefs. Social media algorithms, which prioritise content users are likely to engage with, further intensify this effect. The result is a fragmented public sphere, where meaningful debate between opposing views becomes more difficult, and people are increasingly isolated from those who think differently. This undermines the fundamental principles of democracy, which rely on informed and engaged citizens who can consider multiple perspectives.
Erosion of social mores
Beyond the political realm, the internet has also had a profound impact on social mores and attitudes, particularly in areas such as body image and sexual norms. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat have created environments where unrealistic and often unhealthy standards of beauty are constantly showcased. These platforms encourage users to present idealised versions of themselves, often through the use of filters, photo-editing software and selective content curation.
This creates a culture where individuals, particularly young people, feel pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards. Studies have shown a direct correlation between social media use and increased rates of anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction, particularly among teenage girls. The constant exposure to images of ‘perfect’ bodies leads to unhealthy comparisons and contributes to a distorted sense of self-worth.
Sexual attitudes have also been affected by the internet. Pornography is more accessible than ever before, and its ubiquity has reshaped how many people, especially young adults, view sex and relationships. Studies suggest that frequent consumption of online pornography can lead to distorted perceptions of sexual norms, with potential consequences for both individual relationships and societal attitudes toward consent, intimacy and gender roles. For example, research indicates that exposure to certain types of online content can desensitise viewers to issues such as violence and exploitation, leading to more permissive attitudes toward behavior that would otherwise be considered unacceptable.
The impact of ‘news’ feeds
The rise of social media as a primary source of news has created a more connected, yet more fragmented, world. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter curate content based on user behaviour, meaning that individuals are often presented with news stories that align with their existing preferences. This creates ‘filter bubbles’, where users are surrounded by information that confirms their views, while opposing perspectives are either downplayed or hidden altogether.
The consequence is a distorted view of reality. News feeds prioritise sensational, attention-grabbing headlines, often at the expense of balanced reporting. In a world where many people rely on social media for news, this creates a skewed understanding of global events. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, misinformation about the virus and vaccines spread rapidly on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. This had real-world consequences, with people acting on false information in ways that endangered public health.
In addition to the rise of misinformation, unreliable sources have proliferated online. Websites with dubious journalistic standards can reach massive audiences by exploiting algorithms designed to maximise clicks and engagement. This blurring of the lines between reputable news outlets and fringe sources erodes trust in traditional journalism and complicates efforts to distinguish fact from fiction.
Unequal distribution of power
Another major concern about the internet is the concentration of power in the hands of a few corporations and individuals. The digital landscape is dominated by tech giants such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and X (Twitter), whose platforms serve as the primary gateways to information and commerce online. These companies wield enormous influence over public discourse, economic activity, and even political decisions. For example, when Twitter and Facebook banned President Donald Trump from their platforms following his incirement of the Capitol riot in January 2021, it highlighted the immense power these companies have to shape public conversation.
This concentration of power raises concerns about accountability. Tech billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg control platforms that billions of people use daily, giving them unparalleled influence over society. These companies operate with little regulatory oversight, and their decisions can have far-reaching consequences for privacy, free speech and competition. The monopolistic tendencies of these firms also stifle innovation, as smaller competitors struggle to compete in a landscape dominated by a few giants.
Governments also wield significant power over the internet, using it as a tool for surveillance, censorship and control. In countries like China and Russia, the internet is tightly controlled by the state, with restrictions on what citizens can access and say online. The ability of authoritarian regimes to manipulate and suppress information online raises serious concerns about the future of free expression and democracy.
Is the Internet ‘broken’?
Given these numerous threats, it is worth asking whether the internet is ‘broken’ and no longer fit for purpose. While the internet has undoubtedly connected people in unprecedented ways, its design has allowed for significant exploitation and abuse. The centralisation of power in the hands of a few tech giants, the rise of misinformation, the proliferation of harmful content and the distortion of political debate all suggest that the internet, as it currently functions, is far from ideal.
Critics argue that the internet was never designed to be what it is today — a global marketplace for ideas, data and commerce. It has become a breeding ground for harmful behaviours, from cyberbullying and online harassment to identity theft and data breaches. Moreover, the internet’s business model, which is largely based on advertising and data collection, has incentivised companies to prioritise profit over user welfare. This has led to the creation of platforms that encourage addictive behaviours, invade privacy and manipulate users for financial gain.
Outweighed by the benefits?
Despite these dangers, the internet has also delivered profound benefits to society. It has democratised access to information, allowing people from all corners of the world to learn, communicate and share ideas. The internet has also revolutionised industries, from education and healthcare to entertainment and commerce. The internet has made the world more interconnected, opening up opportunities for collaboration and innovation that were previously unimaginable.
The question, then, is whether these benefits outweigh the threats posed by the internet’s darker aspects. On one hand, the internet has empowered marginalised groups by giving them a platform to speak and organise. On the other hand, it has also given rise to new forms of oppression, from online harassment to government surveillance.
An existential threat?
In conclusion, the internet has undeniably transformed society and culture, for both better and worse. While it has opened up new avenues for communication and innovation, it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation, contributed to social divisions, and concentrated power in the hands of a few.
The internet is broken in the sense that it has strayed from its original ideals, becoming a tool for manipulation, exploitation and control. As society becomes increasingly dependent on the internet, we must confront its potential to become an existential threat to human life and thought. The future of the internet — and by extension, society — depends on whether we can address these challenges and ensure that the digital world remains a force for good rather than harm.
TX Broswell is virtual curator at large for the Silent Museum.
