Technology in Politics: What We Don’t Know and Should
Published July 21, 2023, 6 p.m. by Naomi Charles
The use of technology in politics — from social media to smart phones to targeted internet advertising — has become more sophisticated and widespread. As its prevalence expands, so does the number of questions about its use and value, and its impact on politics and civil society.
How are current technologies being used in politics? What are the benefits of those technologies? What are the pitfalls? How can users know if these technologies adequately protect our privacy and security? In turn, how do privacy laws affect these technologies?
What about people who use far less technology because of their age or lack of resources? Are they being fairly and accurately represented in politics as the use of technology increases?
Is the net effect of these technologies improving U.S. politics or driving Americans further apart? How much are social media platforms radicalizing people? How do these technologies affect voter suppression?
Get answers to these and related questions during this energized discussion among a host of noted experts.
00:00 Introduction
05:30 How has digital technology changed politics?
09:57 Privacy and politics
18:13 Do we need more data regulation?
25:18 Is technology too advanced?
28:40 Facebook algorithms
36:50 Free speech in social media
48:18 Is democratizing fundraising good or bad?
51:20 Final Audience Q&A
Featuring:
▪️ Morteza Dehghani – associate professor of psychology, usc Dornsife
▪️ Katie Harbath – founder and CEO of Anchor Change; former public policy director for global elections at Facebook
▪️ Cheryl Hori – founder and chief strategist, Pacific Campaign House
▪️ John Patzakis – executive chair and Chief Legal Officer, X1
Moderators:
▪️ Bob Shrum – director, usc Dornsife Center for the Political Future, Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical politics and professor of the practice of political science, usc Dornsife
▪️ Mike Murphy – co-director, usc Dornsife Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst
You may also like to read about:
