Disinformation, social media, bots, and astroturfing: the fourth wave of digital democracy

This article reflects on the conceptualization and salient features of ecology e-democracy. The authors identify four distinct waves marked by technological innovations studied under control–participation dichotomy. In first wave, during 1990s, political actors begin to establish their online presence but without any other notable changes in communication. second wave takes place from 2004 2008 consolidation social networks increasing commodification audience engagement. third begins take shape Obama’s election campaign, which featured micro-segmentation use big data. fourth starting 2016 with Brexit campaign Cambridge Analytica scandal, has been defined front center Artificial Intelligence. Some recent phenomena that challenge or buttress make-up critical public opinion are following: a) digital platforms as actors; b) Intelligence data; c) falsehoods a strategy, well fake news deep phenomena; d) combination hyperlocal supranational issues; e) determinism; f) search for engagement co-production processes; g) trends threaten democracy, wit, polarization opinions, astroturfing, echo chambers bubble filters. Finally, several challenges research, pedagogy politics could strengthen democratic values, conclude democracy needs be reimagined both new research action frameworks, through creation imaginary democracy.