Does social media promote or undermine democracy?

The notion of democracy and its significance seems to be consistently deconstructing and reconstructing despite it's very clear-cut definition. The power resides within the people who, via a social contract, devolve some of their power to an elected government.

It can be argued that historically we haven't seen true democracy. It wasn't until 1981 in which everyone, black, white, working class, middle class, female and male could vote. This was simply due to the fact everyone was recognised as British Subjects of the Monarch through legislation. Prior to this, Britain technically wasn't entirely democratic due to the fact not everyone in society had the opportunity to exercise their power to elect the government. That being said, despite the fact the right to suffrage was available to all, it doesn't necessarily mean that it was in practice. The first black man who voted in a UK General Election in the late 1770s owned property which validated his right to suffrage. The fact he owned property is also an indicator to his potential wealth and the access he would have to political conversation that other's simply wouldn't have. Politics was talk of the academics and monocle wearers at dinner tables not the laymen during this time.

Fast forward to today, in essence, everyone can access and discuss politics. Social media encourages echo chambers to be formed which feed and reinforce ideologies and political theory to people. In consequence, voting behaviour and political participation sky rockets. Look at the historic disaster of 2020 and how social media shaped young people's perspectives that persuaded them to vote more liberally for change. The Black Lives Matter Movement peaked since the death of George Floyd a death that broke the internet and social media which heavily pushed people to either side of the political spectrum. Take the American Presidency election of 2020 as an example, Biden managed to win Georgia due to the Stacey Adam's pressure campaign which targeted young black voters to vote for the first time, 800,000 approximately. All of this achieved through social media therefore displaying how social media can be used to promote democracy. It allows people from all backgrounds to be aware of state of society and the effectiveness of the government; if the people are dissatisfied they can exert their power to change it.

On the other hand, social media can be weaponised to spread misinformation and breed misconceptions or worse, create political apathy among the people. As the rise of political discourse continues the grow an increase of performative activism occurs. Posting "awareness" in the form of a status update or an instagram story about a political issue seems to be the new "solution" rather than scrutinising the government and applying pressure upon them to cause change. People seem to believe by doing so they have done their part and cannot go beyond a retweet or a like. This means voting apathy grows and democracy is undermined. It is brilliant to be aware to the issues of the world but it is crucial to work with the government system to do something about it.

To conclude, social media is incredibly significant in promoting democracy as it allows the spread of important news and information regardless of the profile of a person. However, it is key that the given information urges its readers to go out and participate in exercising their rights, either through voting or signing government ran petitions.

What would winning a Crowd Scholar scholarship mean to you?

In winning a Crowd Scholar scholarship, it would mean that I would be able to comfortably pursue my aspirations in becoming a successful lawyer as I would be able to move out and study at one of the highest performing universities for law in the UK.

Growing up black with a single refugee mum I didn't necessarily have a vast range of opportunities and the ones that I did have both she and I had to work really hard for. My mother has always given her all for me and I just want to make her proud of prove all of her efforts are worthwhile by going to law school and being successful in my future career.

As I would be moving away from home going to university will be expensive, even more so as my firm and insurance choices are in London. By winning the scholarship everything from moving to settling in would be far more doable, in consequence would most certainly release both my mother and I the pressure of accumulating money for my big move.

For me, law symbolises the application of justice and equality, words which I believe are extremely significant considering the climate of today's society. Perusing a future in law has a strong personal reason for me as I want to turn my experience as a sexually abused female neglected by the British justice system into a catalyst for me to work as a well-articulated voice in the justice system. Indeed, I recognise that the justice system doesn't work perfectly however, it is my belief that our justice system should bring less failures for everyone, especially women, than wins and I want to be part of that when it finally occurs.

Head of Year, Notre Dame Sixth Form:

Angie has an excellent ability to get on with a wide range of people. She has been able to develop positive relationships with her peers at Sixth From and has been a role model to other students across school ages. She has taken lead roles in school productions and worked as mentor for younger students. Angie has a strong commitment to understanding important social and political issues. However she also has strive to educate others and raise awareness for these important causes, this has been clear from her involvement in extra-curricular activities. It is this drive and determination that inspires all those who meet or work with her.

Angie is a very determined pupil who always strives to produce her best work. Angie demonstrates exemplary skills when evaluating arguments and texts. She has demonstrated excellent communication skills and is able to not only contribute to class discussions but also to effectively lead them. During her A-Level study, she has developed a strong and persuasive writing style that displays excellent analysis. She wrote an outstanding essay on the debates surrounding patriarchy within feminism with a particularly strong evaluation on formal and legal equality. She is exceptionally organised and high quality work is always handed in on time. She is keen to ensure that all work meets the high standard that she sets but also seeks to continually improve in her studies. Angie asks pertinent questions in order to develop her own subject knowledge and understanding. It has been a pleasure to teach Angie this year due to her obvious passion for the learning.

I would strongly recommend Angie Fakashin for this scholarship