THE DIGITAL AGORA

SOCIAL MEDIA IN DEMOCRACY

Abstract

This article analyzes the influence of social media on the democratic process, not from a strictly electoral standpoint, but as a space for interaction between public authorities and citizens, as well as for the expression of views and debate on a wide range of issues of social interest. A comparative approach is undertaken between the legal realities of Brazil and the United States. The research, qualitative in nature and grounded in the logical-deductive method, draws primarily on federal statutes and on the judicial precedents of the supreme courts of both countries. The study examines how interaction among individuals has migrated from the Agora to the digital environment and, in light of this phenomenon, whether and how the regulation of social media should be carried out in pursuit of neutrality. The findings demonstrate that, whereas the American system favors the "free marketplace of ideas" with minimal state intervention, the Brazilian model aims at neutrality. As to the interaction between public authorities and citizens, the United States model draws a distinction between private life and public office, establishing a separate legal regime for each situation. Brazil, in turn, has yet to render a definitive ruling on the matter.