Lim JUS394 Internet Public Sphere

The document discusses Jurgen Habermas's concept of the public sphere and how it has changed over time. It provides three key points: 1) For Habermas, a public sphere is a space where private individuals can gather and discuss matters of common concern, which emerged in the 18th century with the rise of the middle class in places like coffee houses and salons. 2) Mass media have now become the chief institutions of the public sphere, though they are subject to biases, censorship and corporate interests that threaten equitable representation. 3) The Internet poses both opportunities and challenges for renewing the public sphere, through issues around access, free speech, community standards and globalization.