The chapter explores the multifaceted relationship between digital platforms and progressive politics. The first part analyzes the relationship between the centralized architecture of digital platforms and online discourse, noting how platforms are usable and thus inclusive, but also prone to discursive inequality, polarization, and censorship. The central section considers how the cost-reducing logic of digital platforms has contributed to reshaping collective action in the age of social media. There is a trade-off between the capacity of social media platforms to quickly scale collective action and the inability of organizers to use the very same media to engage in collective decision-making, long-term planning, and strategic organizing. Finally, the third part considers the impact of digital platforms on progressive political parties and digital advocacy organizations. Whereas these organizations have ostensibly used digital democracy platforms, increasing the scope of participation does not necessarily correspond to an improvement in the quality of democratic participation.

Digital platforms and progressive politics.

Marco Deseriis
2025

Abstract

The chapter explores the multifaceted relationship between digital platforms and progressive politics. The first part analyzes the relationship between the centralized architecture of digital platforms and online discourse, noting how platforms are usable and thus inclusive, but also prone to discursive inequality, polarization, and censorship. The central section considers how the cost-reducing logic of digital platforms has contributed to reshaping collective action in the age of social media. There is a trade-off between the capacity of social media platforms to quickly scale collective action and the inability of organizers to use the very same media to engage in collective decision-making, long-term planning, and strategic organizing. Finally, the third part considers the impact of digital platforms on progressive political parties and digital advocacy organizations. Whereas these organizations have ostensibly used digital democracy platforms, increasing the scope of participation does not necessarily correspond to an improvement in the quality of democratic participation.
2025
Settore SPS/08 - Sociologia dei Processi Culturali e Comunicativi
Settore GSPS-06/A - Sociologia dei processi culturali e comunicativi
Handbook of progressive politics
Edward Elgar Publishing
Digital platforms; Political participation; Collective action; Connective action; Party organizations; Digital democracy
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11384/152764
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