Democracy in Perspective: Reflecting on the Effects of Political Blindness in Society

Abstract

This article addresses the contemporary challenges faced by democracy, with a particular focus on infocracy, populism, and political moralism. The research employs a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical and critical analyses of political and media phenomena, aiming to comprehend how these dynamics impact democratic integrity. In the introduction, the concept of infocracy, as defined by Byung-Chul Han (2022), is presented as a transformation in the information regime influenced by digitalization and the proliferation of communication technologies. The methodology includes an examination of the effects of this transformation on the transparency and quality of information available to the public. The study investigates how media fragmentation and the spread of fake news undermine democratic discourse and facilitate social polarization. The second section explores the influence of populism and political moralism on democracy. Drawing on references such as Gouvea and Branco (2020), Levitsky and Ziblatt (2018), and Salgado (2018), the paper analyzes how populism fosters simplistic dichotomies between the "people" and the "elite," weakening democratic institutions and promoting the erosion of democratic norms. Political moralism, in turn, further polarizes society by transforming complex issues into binary conflicts. The conclusion proposes solutions to address these challenges: promoting media literacy to discern truthful information, strengthening democratic institutions, and revitalizing the role of traditional media. It also suggests a renewed commitment to civic education and ethical political leadership to restore and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.