This trend raises important questions about power dynamics, truth, and their impact on democratic processes. Scholars in humanities, social sciences, and religious studies and theology provide valuable perspectives on these developments.
Facebook and Instagram alone account for more than 4 billion monthly active users. These platforms have an unparalleled reach that political parties, news media and organisations rely on to spread their information. At the same time, social media has become a fertile ground for disinformation and fake news. Growing concerns about misleading and inaccurate online content—and its consequences—are increasingly taking centre stage. The Media Authority's Digital News Report 2024 highlights this growing issue.
Information brokers
Should we entrust the distribution of information to tech giants driven by commercial interests and algorithms? Social scientist Mariken van der Velden, who studies the intersection of media, politics, and society, warns of a troubling dependency on major American tech companies like Meta and X. ‘These platforms act as information brokers,’ she explains. ‘News media rely on them to reach audiences, giving companies like Facebook and Instagram the power to shape what information people see. They can amplify certain perspectives while making others less visible, ultimately influencing public debate, political opinion, and society as a whole.’
Public space
Professor of Political Epistemology Jeroen de Ridder and Professor of Philosophy of Religion Rik Peels share these concerns. Peels: ‘Tech companies have taken up quite a bit of public space. Anyone with an internet connection can, anonymously or not, effortlessly hurl opinions into the world that have nothing to do with a reasonable exchange of information.’ De Ridder: ‘This undermines the public space essential for informed debate in a democratic society.’
Intervention
Isn’t it time for democratic governments to step in? Van der Velden believes so—to prevent widespread social harm. She draws a striking parallel to the 2007 banking crisis. ‘Back then, banks saw themselves as untouchable—now, it’s Big Tech. Financial giants were allowed to operate unchecked until the system collapsed, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt. Today, we risk repeating history, with governments standing by as a handful of tech companies dictate the rules and weaken democratic oversight.’
Rules of thought
Yet society itself shares responsibility. ‘Opinions are too important to be left entirely to individuals—we need each other to shape them,’ argue Peels and De Ridder. To help ensure opinions are based on reliable information and foster meaningful debate, they developed a set of rules of thought. It starts with self-reflection—recognising how our identity shapes our thinking. They also emphasise the importance of expertise, while urging a critical awareness of its limits. ‘Ultimately, a healthy democracy isn’t just about expressing opinions,’ says De Ridder, ‘but about actively shaping them through reliable information and open debate.’
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Starting in April 2025, the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Religion and Theology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will merge to form the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. This strategic decision reflects VU Amsterdam's commitment to connecting and strengthening these disciplines, as well as enhancing the role of social sciences, humanities, and religious studies and theology. As a socially engaged university, VU Amsterdam believes that, in an era of rapid technological advancements and complex societal challenges, a robust faculty dedicated to deepening our understanding of people and society is crucial.