There has been much concern over the impact of partisan echo chambers
and filter bubbles on public debate. Is this concern justified, or is it
distracting us from more serious issues?
Axel Bruns argues that the influence of echo chambers and filter bubbles
has been severely overstated, and results from a broader moral panic
about the role of online and social media in society. Our focus on these
concepts, and the widespread tendency to blame platforms and their
algorithms for political disruptions, obscure far more serious issues
pertaining to the rise of populism and hyperpolarisation in democracies.
Evaluating the evidence for and against echo chambers and filter
bubbles, Bruns offers a persuasive argument for why we should shift our
focus to more important problems.
This timely book is essential reading for students and scholars, as well
as anyone concerned about challenges to public debate and the democratic
process.