Education for Democracy in the Social Media Century

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9125.v30i2p163–182

Keywords:

social media, democracy, civic education, critical media literacy

Abstract

Social media has provided challenges and opportunities for education for democracy. There have always been structural elements of communication that are hidden and perpetuate inequalities. Social media has accelerated and empowered these hidden structures through algorithms. In this argumentative essay, we examine how critical media literacy can uncover hidden power structures and support education for democracy. Critical media literacy can help students identify exclusionary, inaccurate, missing, and polarizing elements of social media while examining and discussing issues and events. Seen through this lens, social media provides opportunities for education for democracy. Critical media literacy and education for democracy provide opportunities for increasing civic engagement and renewal.

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Author Biographies

  • Ryan T. Knowles, Universidade Estadual de Utah. Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança

    Professor associado de Educação em Estudos Sociais e Estudos Culturais na Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança da Universidade Estadual de Utah. Seus interesses de pesquisa concentram-se em democracia e educação, ideologia de professores e estudantes e análise de dados em larga escala.

  • Steven Camicia, Universidade Estadual de Utah. Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança

    Professor e chefe do Departamento da Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança da Universidade Estadual de Utah. Sua pesquisa focaliza currículo e instrução nas áreas de consciência de perspectivas e justiça social, em sua relação com a educação democrática.

  • Lorissa Nelson, Universidade Estadual de Utah. Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança

    Doutoranda na Faculdade de Formação de Professores e Liderança da Universidade Estadual de Utah. A sua investigação centra-se em modelos socioculturais de ensino em alunos multilingues na adolescência tardia e no seu impacto na esperança destes.

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Published

2025-12-12

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 2 (2025): Práxis educacional, algoritmos e soberania digital

Section

International Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ryan T. Knowles, Steven Camicia, Lorissa Nelson

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How to Cite

Knowles, R. T., Camicia, S., & Nelson, L. (2025). Education for Democracy in the Social Media Century. Comunicação & Educação, 30(2), 163–182. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9125.v30i2p163–182