This document discusses the public sphere and how it has changed over time. It begins with an informal survey about internet and social media usage. It then provides background on Jurgen Habermas, the German philosopher who developed the concept of the public sphere. According to Habermas, the public sphere used to be a space for open discussion and consensus building, but it has since declined with the rise of mass media, public relations, advertising, and corporate influence over communication institutions. The document lists criteria for a successful public sphere and investigates who participates and what types of activities and practices are involved in the modern public sphere.