the sustainability of democracy in the digital era

The sustainability of democracy in the digital era faces significant challenges and opportunities. Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the way society interacts, communicates and accesses information. In this context, the use of digital platforms can support wider political participation, increase transparency and strengthen accountability. First of all, digital platforms like social media have provided a space for individuals to express their opinions. Through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, people can engage in direct political discussions, share information, and organize social movements. This interaction creates a more inclusive political ecosystem, where marginalized voices can be uplifted, strengthening diversity in political voices. However, the existence of digital platforms also poses serious challenges. One of them is the spread of misinformation or hoaxes. False content can quickly spread on social media, influencing public perception and changing political decisions. Therefore, it is important for the government and civil society to create digital education initiatives that increase information literacy among citizens. Furthermore, the role of algorithms in social media cannot be ignored. Algorithms tend to highlight content that triggers emotions, which can strengthen polarization among society. Efforts to understand how these algorithms work and their impact on democratic processes are critical. Policy reforms regarding algorithm transparency should be proposed so that people understand what they see and how it influences their political views. The sustainability of democracy is also influenced by data privacy and security. Many digital platforms collect users’ personal data that can be misused for political or commercial purposes. The need for strict regulations regarding data protection is becoming increasingly urgent. The presence of Personal Data Protection Laws, as introduced in various countries, is expected to guarantee individual privacy rights and prevent violations. Additionally, blockchain technology offers a potential solution to increase transparency in elections. With a blockchain-based voting system, every vote can be recorded accurately and transparently, reducing the possibility of fraud. Implementation of this technology can strengthen public trust in the general election process. The adoption of digital technology in the government sector also provides opportunities to increase accountability. Transparency portals that provide public access to budget use, government projects, and administrative decisions can strengthen public trust. Thus, greater transparency can encourage active participation by citizens in the decision-making process. Furthermore, digital participation through applications and online platforms allows the public to be involved in policy formulation. Public crowdsourcing of ideas can be an effective means of bringing more diverse perspectives to development planning. This creates a democracy that is more responsive to citizens’ needs. It is important to maintain discussion etiquette in the digital sphere. Stigmatization or harassment on social media can degrade the quality of public debate. Therefore, the sustainability of democracy requires joint efforts to create a healthy digital environment, where constructive dialogue can take place. In the digital era, the sustainability of democracy depends on collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector. Creating a framework that supports innovation while maintaining democratic values ​​is a challenge that must be faced holistically. Adapting traditional democratic practices in a digital context is an important step to ensure the relevance and durability of democratic systems in the future.