American Democracy Wasn’t Designed for This
This essay explores how 18th-century American political institutions are struggling to function in the modern era of rapid digital information and artificial intelligence. It argues that the Founders' reliance on slow, deliberative processes is being undermined by technology that encourages impulsive public discourse.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing tension between traditional democratic governance and the disruptive influence of modern digital media and AI on public opinion.
Can our 18th-century institutions survive 21st-century technology?
The Atlantic typically frames institutional challenges through a progressive lens, focusing on the potential dangers of modern information ecosystems to democratic stability.
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