Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital communication has transformed how information circulates and how public opinion is formed. While the internet has expanded access to information and created new opportunities for participation, it has also opened the door to large-scale manipulation of communication. This article examines how digital platforms, algorithms, and the so-called “attention economy” are reshaping the functioning of the public sphere. Drawing on concepts developed by Jürgen Habermas, the paper argues that the architecture of digital communication weakens traditional forms of public mediation that historically connected everyday social life with democratic debate. In environments structured by algorithms and engagement-driven platforms, misinformation, disinformation, and emotionally charged content spread more easily than reasoned argumentation. As a result, public debate becomes increasingly fragmented and vulnerable to strategic manipulation. The article also discusses the limits of regulatory responses and suggests that strengthening the public sphere within digital environments is essential for preserving democratic deliberation in contemporary societies.

Keywords

fake news, misinformation, disinformation